First added 19 June 2001. Completely updated 30 January 2005: gave genus its own page.

A look at the Family Lacertidae

Psammodromus

Psammodromus Lizards

Introduction

QUICK INDEX

Psammodromus algirus, Large Psammodromus Psammodromus hispanicus, Spanish Sand Racer Psammodromus blanci, Blanc's Psammodromus

Psammodromus microdactylus, Green Psammodromus

Scientific Name Common Name Distribution Size Notes

Psammodromus

P. algirus Large Psammodromus S. France, Iberia; NW African coast 8-12" P. algirus is the largest member of this genus. It inhabits stony and sparsely-vegetated areas that catch the sun, and can also be found near human habitations, eg sunning itself on fences. It also hibernates in holes and crevices in stone walls. Unusually for a lacertid, it has large rhomboid-shaped keeled scales. The tail accounts for about ¾ of the length of this lizard. Both sexes have blue spots (one or two) on the shoulders: those of the male are more intense. Males are usually larger, and breeding males have a red throat and red cheeks. Mating takes place in April-May, and in May females lay 8-11 eggs. The young hatch in July-August and are the same colour as the adults. Prey for all stages of the lizard is insects. If picked up, P. algirus makes high whistling sounds. Click here for a picture. B I

P. hispanicus Spanish Sand Racer S. France, Iberia 4-5" Smaller but substantially similar to the above. Often seen on sandy seashores.

P. blanci Blanc's Psammodromus NW Africa (Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco) ?"

P. microdactylus Green Psammodromus Morocco ?" The Green Psammodromus derives its common name from its coloration, which is overall dark brown-black but with two vivid green dorsal and two lateral stripes running the length of its body. In addition it has a pale yellow-green stripe which runs from behind the eye nearly up to the front leg.

Bibliography

Grzimek, Reptiles

Echsen 2, Rogner, Ulmer 1992

Collins Field Guide: Reptiles & Amphibians of Europe, Arnold, Burton & Ovenden, Collins 1978.

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QUICK INDEX
Psammodromus algirus, Large Psammodromus	Psammodromus hispanicus, Spanish Sand Racer	Psammodromus blanci, Blanc's Psammodromus
Psammodromus microdactylus, Green Psammodromus

Scientific Name	Common Name	Distribution	Size	Notes
Psammodromus
P. algirus	Large Psammodromus	S. France, Iberia; NW African coast	8-12"	P. algirus is the largest member of this genus. It inhabits stony and sparsely-vegetated areas that catch the sun, and can also be found near human habitations, eg sunning itself on fences. It also hibernates in holes and crevices in stone walls. Unusually for a lacertid, it has large rhomboid-shaped keeled scales. The tail accounts for about ¾ of the length of this lizard. Both sexes have blue spots (one or two) on the shoulders: those of the male are more intense. Males are usually larger, and breeding males have a red throat and red cheeks. Mating takes place in April-May, and in May females lay 8-11 eggs. The young hatch in July-August and are the same colour as the adults. Prey for all stages of the lizard is insects. If picked up, P. algirus makes high whistling sounds. Click here for a picture. B I
P. hispanicus	Spanish Sand Racer	S. France, Iberia	4-5"	Smaller but substantially similar to the above. Often seen on sandy seashores.
P. blanci	Blanc's Psammodromus	NW Africa (Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco)	?"
P. microdactylus	Green Psammodromus	Morocco	?"	The Green Psammodromus derives its common name from its coloration, which is overall dark brown-black but with two vivid green dorsal and two lateral stripes running the length of its body. In addition it has a pale yellow-green stripe which runs from behind the eye nearly up to the front leg.