About Psammodromus hispanicus Fitzinger, 1826
Psammodromus hispanicus Fitzinger, 1826 is one of the smallest lizard species found in France, distinguished by its unique patterns. This species occurs across most of the Iberian Peninsula, with the exception of the peninsula’s north coast and the Pyrenees. Within France, it is only found along the Mediterranean coast. It can be found at altitudes up to 1500 meters, and inhabits dry open Mediterranean areas. These habitats have stone cover, and usually have an area of loose soil, such as sand, not far away. Breeding takes place in spring, after the lizards emerge from hibernation. Roughly 2 to 8 eggs are laid just a few weeks after breeding, in a moist, warm spot, most commonly under hay piles, inside rotting wood piles, or in similar locations. The eggs incubate for approximately 8 weeks before hatching. Female Psammodromus hispanicus can lay up to two clutches of eggs per breeding season.
