Algyroides moreoticus - Greek Algyroides
The Greek Algyroides is a small lizard which can be easily overlooked. However, it is worth to be noticed as males of this species can be small jewels: On Zakynthos, they frequently show bright yellow colours; on Kefalonia and Ithaka, they often have bluish flanks; whereas on Peloponnese, they usually have a distinct black-and white pattern. Females are inconspicuously brownish and frequently smaller than males.
Algyroides moreoticus is an endemic species of Peloponnese and the mentioned Ionian Islands. It lives in rather humid and shady habitats and can be often observed basking on wood or tree trunks in the late afternoon. During summer, this species may be very secretive.
Algyroides moreoticus may co-occur with the following species:
- At Algyroides nigropunctatus, the scales on the back are bigger than on the flanks whereas at Algyroides moreoticus, the scales on the back have the same size as on the flanks. Furthermore, the latter one is significantly smaller.
- Other small Lacertids of that area (Hellenolacerta graeca and some Podarcis species) have no keeled scales and therefore a more shiny appearance.
