About Algyroides nigropunctatus (Duméril & Bibron, 1839)
Algyroides nigropunctatus reaches a maximum total length of 25 cm (9.8 in) when including the tail, making it noticeably larger than all other species in the Algyroides genus. This species can be identified by keeled V-shaped scales covering its back, flanks, and tail. Its common name comes from the bright blue throat breeding males develop during the mating season; females may also have a blue throat, though it is typically less bright. The rest of the lizard's body ranges from light brown to rusty brown, while its belly is white to yellowish. Its specific epithet nigropunctatus refers to the rows of black dots that run along its back; these dots are most often absent from females outside of the mating season. This lizard is distributed across Italy and the Balkans. Its natural habitats include Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, rocky areas, arable land, pastureland, plantations, rural gardens, and urban areas. Its diet is made up of insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. The blue-throated keeled lizard is an adept climber, and is easily frightened. It is not commonly kept in captivity because it has protected conservation status. Females lay only two to four eggs per clutch, and it is thought that females can produce clutches in both early spring and early autumn. During mating, males bite females on the neck and hold their grip for a considerable length of time, a mating behavior common to all Algyroides lizards.
