Stellagama

Stellagama
Conservation status

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Agamidae
Genus: Stellagama
Species: S. stellio
Binomial name
Stellagama stellio
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Subspecies

Stellagama stellio stellio
Stellagama stellio brachydactyla
Stellagama stellio cypriaca
Stellagama stellio daani
Stellagama stellio picea
Stellagama stellio salehi
Stellagama stellio vulgaris

Synonyms
  • Stellio stellio
  • Agama stellio
  • Laudakia stellio

Stellagama is a monotypic genus of agamid lizards containing the single species Stellagama stellio.[1][2] Common names for the species include stellion, hardim, hardun, star lizard, painted dragon, starred agama, sling-tailed agama and roughtail rock agama. It is found in Greece, Southwest Asia, and Northeast Africa.

Total length is up to 35 centimetres (14 in) or slightly longer.[3] Like many agamids, stellions can change color to express their moods. They bask on stone walls, rocks, and trees. They are usually found in rocky habitats, and are quite shy, being very ready to dive into cracks to hide from potential predators.

The name "stellion" comes from Latin stellio, stēlio (stelliōn-, stēliōn-), which referred to any spotted lizard, from stella, star.

There are many subspecies, and S. stellio is likely a species complex.[2] More research will be done, and this species may yet be split into several.[1]

Gallery

Stellion

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Baig, K. J., et al. (2012). A morphology-based taxonomic revision of Laudakia Gray, 1845 (Squamata: Agamidae). Vertebrate Zoology 62(2) 213-60.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Amr, Z. S. S., et al. 2012. Stellagma stellio. In: IUCN 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2.
  3. ↑ http://www.bayramgocmen.com/album/picture.php?/1002/category/345

External links

Wikispecies has information related to: Stellagama stellio
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Stellagama stellio.