Spiny-Footed Lizard
ExploreReptiles
Spiny-Footed Lizard
acanthodactylus erythrurus
The Spiny-Footed Lizard, Acanthodactylus erythrurus, is a swift and agile reptile perfectly adapted to life in sandy, open habitats across the Iberian Peninsula and Northwest Africa. These fascinating lizards are known for their distinctively fringed toes, which act like natural snowshoes, allowing them to traverse loose sand with remarkable speed and efficiency. They are primarily insectivorous, playing an important role in controlling insect populations within their ecosystems. Often seen basking in the sun or darting between vegetation, they embody the vibrant life of their arid and semi-arid environments.
Habitat: Found in various open, arid to semi-arid habitats, particularly sandy areas such as coastal dunes, inland sand sheets, pine forests with sandy substrates, and scrublands.
Appearance
This medium-sized lizard typically reaches a total length of 15-25 cm, including its long tail. Its slender body is usually sandy-brown, grey, or reddish-brown, often adorned with dark spots, streaks, or longitudinal stripes that aid in camouflage. The belly is uniformly whitish. A key identifying feature is the presence of prominent spiny scales on its toes, which give it its common name. The tail, especially in juveniles and some adult populations, can display a striking reddish or orange hue.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassReptiliaOrderSquamataFamilyLacertidaeGenusAcanthodactylus
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Its 'spiny feet' are not actually spines for defense, but rather elongated, fringed scales that act like miniature snowshoes, helping it run across loose sand without sinking.
Juvenile Spiny-Footed Lizards often display a vibrant red or orange tail, which may serve as a distraction to predators, drawing attention away from their vital body parts.
They are extremely heliothermic, meaning they rely heavily on basking in the sun to raise their body temperature to optimal levels for activity, often retreating to shade or burrows when it gets too hot.
When threatened, they often exhibit a characteristic 'tail-waving' display before rapidly darting away to safety.
Special abilities
Ability
Spiny Toes Traction
The specialized, spiny scales on its toes increase the surface area of its feet, providing superior traction and preventing it from sinking into loose sand, enabling rapid movement across its sandy habitat.
Ability
Rapid Burrowing
Utilizing its modified toes, the Spiny-Footed Lizard can quickly dig shallow burrows. These serve as crucial shelters from predators and extreme temperatures, especially during the hottest parts of the day or overnight.
Ability
Exceptional Agility
Known for its incredible speed and agility, this lizard can dart quickly across open ground to evade predators or pursue fast-moving insect prey, making it a challenging target for both. It exhibits bursts of high-speed running.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 15-25 cm
- Weight
- 0.01-0.025 kg
- Lifespan
- 3-5 years
- Top Speed
- 30 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 2-7
- Incubation
- 45-60 days
Diet & Feeding
The Spiny-Footed Lizard is an active insectivore, primarily feeding on a diverse range of small invertebrates found within its sandy environment. It actively hunts its prey, relying on its keen eyesight and speed.
Primary Foods
- Ants
- Beetles
- Crickets
- Grasshoppers
- Spiders
- Larvae
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
eaten by
Montpellier Snake
Malpolon monspessulanus
A primary predator of the Spiny-Footed Lizard.
hunts
Black Garden Ant
Lasius niger
A common prey item in the lizard's diet.
eaten by
Common Kestrel
Falco tinnunculus
A raptor that preys on various small reptiles, including the Spiny-Footed Lizard.
hunts
Ground Beetle
Carabidae
Another common prey item for this lizard.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Collections for this object will appear here as more themes are added.
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Spiny-Footed Lizard?
The easiest way to identify Spiny-Footed Lizard is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Spiny-Footed Lizard?
15-25 cm
How much does Spiny-Footed Lizard weigh?
0.01-0.025 kg
How long does Spiny-Footed Lizard live?
3-5 years
How fast can Spiny-Footed Lizard move?
30 km/h
What does Spiny-Footed Lizard eat?
The Spiny-Footed Lizard is an active insectivore, primarily feeding on a diverse range of small invertebrates found within its sandy environment. It actively hunts its prey, relying on its keen eyesight and speed.
Where is Spiny-Footed Lizard usually found?
Found in various open, arid to semi-arid habitats, particularly sandy areas such as coastal dunes, inland sand sheets, pine forests with sandy substrates, and scrublands.
How does Spiny-Footed Lizard hunt?
Pursuit
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
