Koelliker's glass lizard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Koelliker's glass lizard |
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Hyalosaurus
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| Species: |
koellikeri
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Koelliker's glass lizard (Hyalosaurus koellikeri), also known as the Moroccan glass lizard, is a special type of lizard. It belongs to the family called Anguidae. These lizards are found in the western parts of North Africa. Even though it's called a "glass lizard," it's not made of glass! This name comes from how easily its tail can break off, like glass.
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What's in a Name?
The second part of this lizard's scientific name, koellikeri, was chosen to honor a famous Swiss scientist. His name was Albert von Kölliker. He was a histologist, meaning he studied the tiny parts and tissues that make up living things.
Where Do They Live?
Koelliker's glass lizards are found in two countries in North Africa. You can find them in Algeria and Morocco.
Their Home Environment
These lizards like to live in several different natural places. They prefer temperate forests, which are not too hot or too cold. They also live in shrubland, which has many bushes and small trees. You can find them in temperate grasslands and even in areas used for grazing animals, called pastureland. They can live in places as high as 2,000 meters (about 6,560 feet) above sea level.
What Do They Look Like?
Koelliker's glass lizards have a unique appearance. They do not have any front legs at all. They do have very small, basic back legs, but these are not used for walking. Their back is usually brownish in color. They also have a darker stripe along their sides. Their belly is a yellowish color.
Lizard Family Tree
For a long time, scientists thought Hyalosaurus koellikeri was part of the Ophisaurus group of lizards. However, new studies of their genes have shown something different. These studies prove that Koelliker's glass lizard is actually more closely related to other lizards. It is closer to the Anguis and Pseudopus groups than to Ophisaurus.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Koelliker's glass lizards are oviparous. This means that the female lizard lays eggs. The young lizards then hatch from these eggs.
Conservation Status
Sadly, Koelliker's glass lizard is facing threats. Its population is decreasing because of habitat loss. This means the natural places where they live are being destroyed or changed.
