Blue-throated keeled lizard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blue-throated keeled lizard |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Algyroides
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| Species: |
nigropunctatus
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| Synonyms | |
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The blue-throated keeled lizard (Algyroides nigropunctatus) is a cool type of lizard. It is also known as the Dalmatian algyroides. This lizard belongs to the family called Lacertidae, which includes many common lizards.
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What Does the Blue-Throated Keeled Lizard Look Like?
This lizard can grow up to about 25 cm (9.8 in) long, including its tail. This makes it quite a bit bigger than other lizards in the Algyroides group. You can easily spot it by the special V-shaped scales on its sides, tail, and back. These scales look a bit like tiny ridges.
Why Is It Called "Blue-Throated"?
The blue-throated keeled lizard gets its name from the bright blue throat of the males. This blue color is especially noticeable during the mating season. Sometimes, even female lizards might have a blue throat, but it's usually not as bright. The rest of the lizard's body is light brown or rusty brown. Its belly is white or yellowish.
What About the Black Dots?
Its scientific name, nigropunctatus, means "black-spotted." This is because the lizard often has rows of small black dots on its back. However, these dots might be missing in females, especially when it's not mating season.
Where Do Blue-Throated Keeled Lizards Live?
You can find the blue-throated keeled lizard in Italy and the Balkans region of Europe.
What Is Their Favorite Place to Live?
These lizards like to live in many different places. Their natural habitats include areas with Mediterranean-type bushes and shrubs. They also enjoy rocky areas, farmland, and pastureland. You might even spot them in plantations, country gardens, and even urban areas like towns and cities!
How Do Blue-Throated Keeled Lizards Behave?
The blue-throated keeled lizard mostly eats insects. It also enjoys worms and other small invertebrates. These are tiny creatures without backbones.
Are They Good Climbers?
Yes, these lizards are very good at climbing! They like to move around on rocks and plants. They can be quite shy and get scared easily. Because they are a protected species, you won't often see them kept as pets.
How Do They Have Babies?
Female blue-throated keeled lizards usually lay only two to four eggs at a time. Scientists think that females might lay eggs twice a year. This could happen once in early spring and again in early autumn. During mating, the male lizard will gently bite the female's neck. He might hold on for a while, which is a common behavior for Algyroides lizards.
See also
- List of reptiles of Italy
