Moroccan rock lizard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Moroccan rock lizard |
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The Moroccan rock lizard (Scelarcis perspicillata) is a type of lizard. It belongs to the Lacertidae family, which includes many common lizards. Scientists are still figuring out its exact family tree. It has been grouped with lizards like Teira, Podarcis, Lacerta, or Scelarcis. You can find this lizard in Algeria and Morocco. It was also brought to the island of Menorca in Spain. These lizards like to live in Mediterranean-style bushy areas, rocky places, and even near the sea or in urban areas.
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What Does the Moroccan Rock Lizard Look Like?
The Moroccan rock lizard is a medium-sized lizard. It has a somewhat flat body. Its body, from snout to the base of its tail, is about 6 cm (2.4 in) long. Its tail is quite long, about 1.7 times the length of its body.
Colors and Patterns
These lizards come in many different colors. In Morocco, they are usually greyish-brown. They often have two wide, light stripes along their back. Lizards found in Menorca can be buff, grey, or greenish-grey. They have many dark, net-like markings on their skin.
Special Features
The tail of this lizard is often bluish. This is especially true for younger lizards. A cool way to tell them apart is by their lower eyelid. It has a clear "window" that you can see through. Their belly is usually white or bluish. Sometimes, you might even spot a lizard that is completely dark-colored!
Where Do Moroccan Rock Lizards Live?
The Moroccan rock lizard lives in northwestern Africa. You can mostly find them in the mountains of Morocco. However, they also live closer to sea level in Algeria. These lizards were first seen on the island of Menorca in Spain in 1928.
Life and Habits
The Moroccan rock lizard is a very quick and active animal. It loves to climb on rocks, walls, and cliffs. You can also see it on tree trunks or moving around on the ground among bushes. They also live near buildings. These lizards search for food both on the ground and on rocks.
Tail Autotomy
Their tail is quite fragile. If a predator grabs it, the tail can break off easily. This helps the lizard escape! You can often see lizards with new tails growing back. This process is called regeneration.
Reproduction and Eggs
Female Moroccan rock lizards lay small groups of eggs. They usually lay one to three eggs at a time. These eggs are about 12 to 17 millimetres (0.47 to 0.67 in) long and 6 to 8 millimetres (0.24 to 0.31 in) wide.
