Psammodromus algirus, known commonly as the Algerian psammodromus or the large psammodromus, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. The species is found in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa.
Psammodromus algirus is found in North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia) and in Southwestern Europe (Iberian Peninsula: Portugal, Spain, Andorra, Gibraltar; southernmost France, and Italy near Lampedusa).
P. algirus typically occurs in dense bushy vegetation, but it can also venture to more open areas. It can be found at elevations up to 2,600 m (8,500 ft) above sea level, but it is more common at lower elevations.
Psammodromus algirus mainly feeds on terrestrial arthropods, specifically Orthoptera, Formicidae, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Araneae.
P. algirus is threatened by habitat loss.
P. algirus commonly reaches a snout–vent length of about 7.5 cm (3.0 in), occasionally 9 cm (3.5 in). The tail is 2–3 times the body length. Dorsal colouration is usually metallic brownish with a pair of conspicuous white or yellowish stripes on both sides.
It is an animal with daytime habits, although it also has some nocturnal activity in the summer. They are usually active from February to October, although during the cold months it is frequent on sunny days, especially young individuals. It mainly moves through the litter, on the ground, although it can climb very well and rise the bushes. It feeds on a variety of small invertebrates hunting them both actively and waiting. It uses its ear to detect insects among leaf litter, as well as the vomeronasal organ (or Jacobson organ) to detect chemical signals.
