The Algyroides genus constitute the smallest lacertids in Europe and have a somewhat disjointed distribution. These lizards prefer scrubland with evergreen vegetation, terraced vineyards and stone walls and buildings. They like to hibernate in ruins. They are excellent climbers. After emerging from hibernation they usually mate in April, during which time the males have a bright blue throat and orange-red belly. The females lay 2 (sometimes 3) eggs in May and possibly another clutch in late summer. They are diurnal but in summer shelter during the hottest part of the day.
| INDEX | ||
| Algyroides fitzingeri, Pygmy Algyroides | Algyroides nigropunctatus, Dalmatian Algyroides | Algyroides marchi, Spanish Algyroides |
| Algyroides moreoticus, Greek Algyroides | ||
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Distribution | Size | Notes |
| Algyroides | ||||
| A. fitzingeri | Pygmy Algyroides | Corsica, Sardinia | 3-4" ? | |
| A. marchi | Spanish Algyroides | Isolated area of SE Spain | 4?" | First described in 1958. Scalation details: nasal orifice situated between 4 scales; prefrontals; frontal 1-2½ times as ; 4 supraoculars; row of granules between supraoculars and supraciliaries; rostal separted from nasal orifice; 2 postnasals; generally 5 supralabials in front of subocular; temporals are small and irregular, tympanum large; large supratemporal in contact with 4th supraocular; maseterica small or absent; gular scales imbircated; collar smooth, consisting of 5-9 scales. Dorsal scalation: scales in hexagonal form, at least twice as large as those of the sides, obliquely keeled Ventral scalation: 6 longitudinal rows; transverse rows 24-27 in males and 26-30 in females. |
| A. moreoticus | Greek Algyroides | S. Greece, some Gk. islands | 4" | Less brightly coloured, female has light lateral spots. |
| A. nigropunctatus | Dalmation Algyroides | NW Africa: Dalmatian coast (Yug., Alb. & Gre.) | SVL 7cm, TL 22½cm | The Algyroides genus constitute the smallest lacertids in Europe and have a somewhat disjointed distribution. These lizards prefer scrubland with evergreen vegetation, terraced vineyards and stone walls and buildings. They like to hibernate in ruins. They are excellent climbers. After emerging from hibernation they usually mate in April, during which time the males have a bright blue throat and orange-red belly. The females lay 2 (sometimes 3) eggs in May and possibly another clutch in late summer. They are diurnal but in summer shelter during the hottest part of the day. B I |
Grzimek, Reptiles
Echsen 2, Rogner, Ulmer 1992
Collins Field Guide: Reptiles & Amphibians of Europe, Arnold, Burton & Ovenden, Collins 1978, revised edition 2002/4.
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