Acanthodactylus erythrurus

Acanthodactylus erythrurus, commonly known as the spiny-footed lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. The species is endemic to northwestern Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. It is considered to be the fastest member of the huge Lacertidae family. Its common name refers to the spines that are arranged like a comb on the toes of its hind legs. A. erythrurus is native to Europe in Gibraltar, Portugal, and Spain, and is native to Africa in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. Though the spiny-footed lizard prefers dry and sparsely vegetated regions, it is not restricted to arid terrain, and it is not uncommon to find it in other environments. The spiny-footed lizard's coloration and the pattern of its spots are extremely variable. As result, zoologists have from time to time classified such variations as separate species. The spiny-footed lizard, like other members of the genus Acanthodactylus, may defend itself aggressively and bite tenaciously, if one tries to catch it. Individuals are continuously involved in skirmishes with other members of the species and the males strenuously defend the borders of their territories. A. erythrurus is oviparous. The number of eggs in a clutch varies from three to seven. The average total length (including tail) of a sexually mature adult of the species is 18 to 20 cm (7.1 to 7.9 in). Four subspecies, including the nominotypical subspecies, are recognized as being valid.