# Large Psammodromus (*Psammodromus algirus*) The Large Psammodromus is a small lizard that loves to bask in the sun. It has a long body and can run really fast on sandy ground, making it a fun little creature to spot! - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Desert ![Large Psammodromus](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Psammodromus_algirus_juv.jpg&width=800) Photo: Júlio Reis, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Psammodromus_algirus_juv.jpg) ## Appearance The Large Psammodromus is a slender lizard with a long tail, typically sporting a brown or olive-green body. It often displays a distinct light stripe on each flank and can have reddish or orange sides, especially during its breeding season. Its scales are keeled, giving its skin a slightly rough, textured appearance. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Lacertilia - **Family:** Lacertidae - **Genus:** Psammodromus ## Interesting facts - It uses its long, flicking tongue to 'taste' the air and find yummy insects! - Its scientific name, \*algirus\*, refers to Algeria, where it was first described! - Males flash bright orange or red sides to impress females during mating season! - This lizard loves basking in the sun to warm up, just like a tiny sunbather! ## Special abilities - **Desert Disguise:** Large Psammodromus has earthy coloration that helps them blend perfectly with sandy and rocky terrains, making it hard for predators to spot them. - **Tail Trick:** Large Psammodromus can shed its tail if grabbed by a predator because its tail has special break points, allowing it to escape unharmed. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 15-25 cm - **Weight:** 0.005-0.02 kg - **Lifespan:** 3-5 years - **Speed:** 20 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 2-11 - **Incubation:** 40-70 days ## Diet & Feeding This lizard enjoys munching on various small insects and spiders found in its habitat. - **Primary Foods:** crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, spiders, ants - **Foraging Methods:** Pursuit, Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Common Buzzard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-buzzard) (*Buteo buteo*) — A common bird of prey that hunts small reptiles. - **Eaten by:** Montpellier Snake (*Malpolon monspessulanus*) — A large snake that preys on lizards in its range. - **Eats:** [Great Green Bush-cricket](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-green-bush-cricket) (*Tettigonia viridissima*) — A common insect often caught by these lizards. - **Eats:** Red Wood Ant (*Formica rufa*) — Ants are a frequent snack for many small lizards. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Desert](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/desert): Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always watch from a distance and don't try to catch lizards; they are best left in their homes. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Large Psammodromus? Compare toes, scales, head shape, crests and tail proportions. Many lizards can drop and regrow their tails, so a short tail isn't always a species trait. Lizard Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Large Psammodromus? 15-25 cm ### How much does Large Psammodromus weigh? 0.005-0.02 kg ### How long does Large Psammodromus live? 3-5 years ### How fast can Large Psammodromus move? 20 km/h ### What does Large Psammodromus eat? This lizard enjoys munching on various small insects and spiders found in its habitat. ### Where is Large Psammodromus usually found? Desert ### How does Large Psammodromus hunt? Pursuit and Foraging ## Where to spot - [Doñana National Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/do-ana-national-park) — Andalusia, ES · National Park ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Large Psammodromus: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/large-psammodromus)