Stellagama stellio
| Stellagama | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Iguania |
| Family: | Agamidae |
| Genus: |
Stellagama Baig, , Ananjeva & , 2012 |
| Species: | S. stellio |
| Binomial name | |
|
Stellagama stellio (Linnaeus, 1758) |
|
| Synonyms | |
Stellagama is a monotypic genus of agamid lizards containing the single species Stellagama stellio.
Common names for S. stellio include stellion, hardim, hardun, star lizard, painted dragon, starred agama, sling-tailed agama, roughtail rock agama and kourkoutavlos.
S. stellio is found in Greece, Southwest Asia, and Northeast Africa.
Total length (including tail) of S. stellio is up to 35 cm (14 in) or slightly longer.
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 several subspecies, and S. stellio is likely a species complex. More research will be done, and this species may yet be split into several species.
The following seven subspecies are recognized as being valid, including the nominotypical subspecies.
Nota bene: A trinomial authority in parentheses indicates that the subspecies was originally described in a genus other than Stellagama.
A stellion in Rehovot, Israel (2013).
A stellion in the Negev, Israel (2007).
A stellion in Acre, Israel (2007).
A stellion in Didim, Turkey (2005).
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