Phrynocephalus arabicus

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Phrynocephalus arabicus
Phrynocephalus arabicus 1711129.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
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
Phrynocephalus arabicus distribution.png

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]

Contents

Arabian Toad-headed Agama from United Arab Emirates Arabian Toad-headed Agama from UAE.jpg
Arabian Toad-headed Agama from United Arab Emirates

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

Arabian Toad-headed Agama breeding Arabian Toad-headed Agama breeding.jpg
Arabian Toad-headed Agama breeding

This species is diurnal. They are insectivores and females only lay 1–2 eggs per clutch. [2]

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References

  1. 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.
  2. 1 2 Phrynocephalus arabicus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 2018-10-31.
  3. Rodda, Gordon H (2020). Lizards of the World: Natural History and Taxon Accounts. JHU Press. p. 548. ISBN   9781421438245.