Phrynocephalus arabicus
Arabian toad-headed agama (Phrynocephalus arabicus) is a species of agamid lizard found in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Iran, and Jordan.[2]
| Phrynocephalus arabicus | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Iguania |
| Family: | Agamidae |
| Genus: | Phrynocephalus |
| Species: | P. arabicus |
| Binomial name | |
| Phrynocephalus arabicus Anderson, 1894 | |
 | |
Description
It is one of 34 recognized species within the genus Phrynocephalus. In 2014, Melkinov split P. arabicus into 4 distinct species: arabicus sensu stricto, nejdensis, macropeltis, and ahvazicus. To date only P. ahvazicus has been formally recognized as a separate species.
P. arabicus sensu stricto is recognizable by its unique tail coloration. It has a white coloration on the underside of the tail with a black tip. When the animal is alerted the whole last quarter of the tail becomes black. P. arabicus also has a relatively long tail and a pointed snout. Adults may attain a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 51 mm (2 in) and weigh 4.08g on average.[3]
Behavior
This species is diurnal. They are insectivores and females only lay 1-2 eggs per clutch.[2]
References
- Soorae, P.; Al Johany, A.M.H.; Amr, Z.S.S.; Anderson, S.; Disi, A.M.; Sharifi, M.; Papenfuss, T. (2018). "Phrynocephalus arabicus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T164737A135337798. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-2.RLTS.T164737A135337798.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
- Phrynocephalus arabicus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 2018-10-31.
- Rodda, Gordon H (2020). Lizards of the World: Natural History and Taxon Accounts. JHU Press. p. 548. ISBN 9781421438245.