The East Iberian sand racer or East Iberian psammodromus (Psammodromus edwarsianus) is a species of lizards in the family Lacertidae. It is found in Spain and France.
This small uncommon lizard, is one of three Psammodromus species of lizards that is found in Spain and France. (Others being P. hispanicus (mainly found in the central peninsular strip) and P. occidentalis (mainly found in the Western peninsular strip)) P. edwarsianus is predominately found on the Eastern side of Spain and Southern France. (The Eastern peninsular, mainly land areas bordering onto the Mediterranean Sea).
Habitat: Scrubland, planted with short grasses and low growing shrub plants, also open meadows with gentle slopes littered with large stones and rocks, that can be used for shelter. This is a very small lizard and life expectancy is no more than around two years.
This lizard is active here in Southern Spain all year round (images below were taken in the month of December). It tends to move in short fast bursts for cover into shrubs or under stones, but will also stay motionless for a while, thus relying on its markings and colouration for stealth mode.
Mating season begins in March till July, 2 to 5 eggs are laid, and buried in the soil. Incubation lasts between 8 to 9 weeks. August to September, can see a second laying of eggs.
These delicate small Lizards mainly prey on various insects and grubs, especially larvae (caterpillars) of lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), also small beetles and their larvae, Spiders and grasshoppers will all be on the lizard’s menu as well.
They become prey themselves to multiple predators, like Sea-Birds, Raptors, Shrikes and Egrets, also, Foxes and the larger lizards will also take the opportunity to prey on this small lizard.
As to date, (16.08. 2022) no official protection laws for this species are yet in place, which I personally find disapointing.
