Biology:Psammodromus algirus
| Psammodromus algirus | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Lacertidae |
| Genus: | Psammodromus |
| Species: | P. algirus
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| Binomial name | |
| Psammodromus algirus | |
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| Range | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
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Psammodromus algirus, known commonly as the Algerian psammodromus or the large psammodromus, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae.[1][2] The species is found in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa.[2]
Subspecies
There are four subspecies:[2]
- Fischer, 1887 (Linnaeus, 1758)
- Galán, 1931 Psammodromus algirus doriae
- Psammodromus algirus algirus Bedriaga, 1886
- Psammodromus algirus nollii Psammodromus algirus ketamensis
Geographic range
Psammodromus algirus is found in North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia) and in Southwestern Europe (Iberian Peninsula: Portugal, Spain , Andorra, Gibraltar; southernmost France , and Italy near Lampedusa).[2]
The IUCN assessment from 2009 treats Psammodromus algirus nollii and Psammodromus algirus ketamensis as full species and restricts Psammodromus algirus to North Africa.[1]
Habitat
P. algirus typically occurs in dense bushy vegetation, but it can also venture to more open areas. It can be found at at elevations up to 2,600 m (8,500 ft) above sea level, but it is more common at lower elevations.[3]
Diet
Psammodromus algirus mainly feeds on terrestrial arthropods, specifically Orthoptera, Formicidae, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Araneae.[4]
Conservation status
P. algirus is threatened by habitat loss.[1]
Description
P. algirus commonly reaches a snout–vent length of about 7.5 cm (3.0 in), occasionally 9 cm (3.5 in). The tail is 2–3 times the body length. Dorsal colouration is usually metallic brownish with a pair of conspicuous white or yellowish stripes on both sides.[3]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Mateo, J.A.; Cheylan, M.; Nouira, M.S.; Joger, U.; Sá-Sousa, P.; Pérez Mellado, V.; Martinez Solano, I.; Sindaco, R. (2009). "Psammodromus algirus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2009: e.T61558A86629654. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2009.RLTS.T61558A12491246.en. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/61558/86629654. Retrieved 14 June 2023.{{cite iucn}}: error: |doi= / |page= mismatch (help)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Psammodromus algirus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Arnold, E. Nicholas; Ovenden, Denys (2002). A field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Britain and Europe (2 ed.). London: Collins. pp. 228 pp. + Plates 1–49. ISBN 9780002199643. (Psammodromus algirus, pp. 127–128 + Plate 21, figure 2 + Map 90).
- ↑ Moreno-Rueda, Gregorio; Melero, Elena; Reguera, Senda; Zamora-Camacho, Francisco J; Álvarez-Benito, Inés (2018). "Prey availability, prey selection, and trophic niche width in the lizard Psammodromus algirus along an elevational gradient". Current Zoology 64 (5): 603–613. doi:10.1093/cz/zox077.
Further reading
- Boulenger GA (1887). Catalogue of the Lizards in the British Museum (Natural History). Second Edition. Volume III. Lacertidæ ... London: Trustees of the British Museum. (Taylor and Francis, printers). xii + 575 pp. + Plates I-XL. (Psammodromus algirus, new combination, p. 50).
- Linnaeus C (1758). Systema naturæ per regna tria naturæ, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis. Tomus I. Editio Decima, Reformata. Stockholm: L. Salvius. 824 pp. (Lacerta algira, new species, p. 203). (in Latin).
Wikidata ☰ Q1851181 entry
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