The spiny-footed lizard

Abstract

The spiny-footed lizard.

The spiny-footed lizard, Acanthodactylus erythrurus, is a small sized lacertid lizard that shows conspicuous red tails in juveniles and females at the reproductive season. Its distribution ranges from the center and south of the Iberian Peninsula, to north Africa. The species prefers open sandy habitats with sparse vegetation. Its diet consists of insects, arachnids and arthropods, with ants being an important part of the diet. The main concern for its conservation is habitat loss and deterioration.