Fitzinger's Algyroides

Dwarf keel lizard ( Algyroides fitzingeri )

The dwarf keel lizard ( Algyroides fitzingeri ), also called Tyrrhenian Kiel lizard is a reptile species of the family of the Real lizards ( Lacertidae ). It was given its scientific name in honor of the Austrian zoologist Leopold Fitzinger ( 1802-1884 ).

Description

The 12 to 13 inches total length reaching dwarf keel lizard is one of the smallest species of lizards at all. The head is flattened, the tail is long and strong. The back of the slim -built animal is gray-brown to dark brown, sometimes colored, blackish. The tip of the snout is bluish and throat white to gray (often with spots). The belly has a yellowish, orange, bluish or gray color. Like all lizards Kiel has the kind of large diamond-shaped and strongly keeled dorsal scales.

Occurrence

The distribution is restricted to the mountains of the Mediterranean islands of Sardinia and Corsica. The very shy lizards will stay in stony cover rich, but only sparsely vegetated terrain, like near water. Places that are heavily sun exposed, be avoided by them. The main activity time is in the morning and in the afternoon. For food range includes insects, spiders and worms.