Showing posts with label SIERRA NEVADA OCELLATED LIZARD (Timon nevadensis). Show all posts
Showing posts with label SIERRA NEVADA OCELLATED LIZARD (Timon nevadensis). Show all posts
Thursday, 17 June 2021
Monday, 7 June 2021
Monday, 22 June 2020
Sunday, 1 July 2018
Monday, 11 June 2018
Friday, 8 June 2018
Sunday, 20 May 2018
Sunday, 6 May 2018
Thursday, 12 October 2017
12-10-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SIERRA NEVADA OCELLATED LIZARD (Timon nevadensis)
Timon nevadensis, the Sierra Nevada lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. It is endemic to Spain. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of the ocellated lizard.
It is a showy and robust lizard, which can reach 26 cm in head-body length and exceed 70 cm in total length. It has strong and well-developed limbs. They are generally grey or brown in colour, with light green scales on the back, and during mating they can acquire more greenish and bluish tones. Its colour and body design change with age, some males lack ornamentation while others have dorsal ocelli in two or more rows. The scales are granular on the back and slightly keeled, while the ventral ones are wide and overlapping one another. Unlike T. lepidus , T. nevadensis lacks jet-black scales on the back, which in this case are grey or brown. Its head is also narrower and longer, as a result, its occipital plate is narrower than in T. lepidus . In addition, the Betic lizards have a lighter coloration in their blue ocelli. Their hind limbs, the end of the back and tail usually have orange-brown tones that T. lepidus does not have . Juveniles have a much more greyish or darker general coloration than juveniles of T. lepidus .
As for sexual dimorphism, males have a much larger head than females, due in part to the greater development of the masseteric muscles. In contrast, females have a greater relative body length than males, which translates into a greater number of ventral scales and lumbar vertebrae. The development of the femoral pores is also greater in males and the base of the tail is wider to accommodate the hemipenes. In general, females tend to maintain designs similar to those of subadults for longer. Juveniles have ocelli bordered with dark on the back and sides.
Tuesday, 20 June 2017
Friday, 12 May 2017
11-5-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SIERRA NEVADA OCELLATED LIZARD (Timon nevadensis)
Timon nevadensis, the Sierra Nevada lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. It is endemic to Spain. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of the ocellated lizard.
It is a showy and robust lizard, which can reach 26 cm in head-body length and exceed 70 cm in total length. It has strong and well-developed limbs. They are generally grey or brown in colour, with light green scales on the back, and during mating they can acquire more greenish and bluish tones. Its colour and body design change with age, some males lack ornamentation while others have dorsal ocelli in two or more rows. The scales are granular on the back and slightly keeled, while the ventral ones are wide and overlapping one another. Unlike T. lepidus , T. nevadensis lacks jet-black scales on the back, which in this case are grey or brown. Its head is also narrower and longer, as a result, its occipital plate is narrower than in T. lepidus . In addition, the Betic lizards have a lighter coloration in their blue ocelli. Their hind limbs, the end of the back and tail usually have orange-brown tones that T. lepidus does not have . Juveniles have a much more greyish or darker general coloration than juveniles of T. lepidus .
As for sexual dimorphism, males have a much larger head than females, due in part to the greater development of the masseteric muscles. In contrast, females have a greater relative body length than males, which translates into a greater number of ventral scales and lumbar vertebrae. The development of the femoral pores is also greater in males and the base of the tail is wider to accommodate the hemipenes. In general, females tend to maintain designs similar to those of subadults for longer. Juveniles have ocelli bordered with dark on the back and sides.
Thursday, 20 April 2017
19-4-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SIERRA NEVADA OCELLATED LIZARD (Timon nevadensis)
Timon nevadensis, the Sierra Nevada lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. It is endemic to Spain. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of the ocellated lizard.
Formerly, Timon nevadensis had been regarded as subspecies of Timon lepidus but it has been put into species rank in 2013. Its distribution range is limited to the Sierra Nevada and the Spanish east coast, reaching the Alicante Province in the north.
The Sierra Nevada Ocellated Lizard is an impressive but terribly shy Lacertid. In particular, adult specimens may have flight distances of more than 20 meters. These lizards occur in high altitude mountain areas as well as in coastal dunes and agricultural land.
Adult specimens differ from Timon lepidus by the grey or brown basic coloration with no or reduced black markings.
The coloration of the Sierra Nevada Ocellated Lizard is truly captivating. Its body is predominantly green, with varying shades ranging from bright emerald to olive green. The scales on its back are usually patterned with intricate markings, which resemble a series of ocelli or “eye spots.” These ocelli are typically black or dark brown, surrounded by a lighter ring. This unique pattern serves as camouflage, helping the lizard blend into its natural environment.
Juveniles and subadults of Timon nevadensis frequently show dark edges on the labial scales which lack in juvenile Timon lepidus. However, there seem to exist populations with intermediate characteristics.
Within its distribution range, Timon nevadensis cannot be confused with other lizards, due to its big size of adults and the distinct white spot pattern of the juveniles.
The Sierra Nevada Ocellated Lizard, also known as the Iberian Ocellated Lizard or the Western Ocellated Lizard, is a reptile that belongs to the Lacertidae family. This lizard is native to the southwestern parts of Europe, specifically the Iberian Peninsula, including Portugal and Spain. It is a medium-sized lizard with a distinct physical appearance.
In terms of size, the Sierra Nevada Ocellated Lizard can grow to an average length of around 30 to 40 centimeters (12 to 16 inches), with males generally being larger than females. The body of this lizard is slender and elongated, allowing it to move swiftly and gracefully. It has a relatively long tail, which makes up a significant portion of its overall length.
The head of the Sierra Nevada Ocellated Lizard is triangular in shape, with a slightly pointed snout. Its eyes are large and round, providing excellent vision for detecting prey and potential predators. The iris of the eye is often golden or brown, adding to the lizard’s overall striking appearance. This species also possesses a row of small, sharp teeth, which it uses to catch and consume its prey.
When it comes to weight, the Sierra Nevada Ocellated Lizard is relatively lightweight compared to other reptiles. Adult individuals typically weigh between 100 to 200 grams (3.5 to 7 ounces). Despite its relatively small size, this lizard is agile and capable of quick movements, allowing it to evade predators or capture prey efficiently.
Overall, the Sierra Nevada Ocellated Lizard is a visually stunning reptile. Its slender body, vibrant green coloration, and intricate ocelli patterns make it a remarkable sight in its natural habitat. With its adaptability and unique physical features, this lizard has successfully thrived in the diverse ecosystems of the Iberian Peninsula.
Tuesday, 17 May 2016
17-5-2016 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SIERRA NEVADA OCELLATED LIZARD (Timon nevadensis)
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Formerly, Timon nevadensis had been regarded as subspecies of Timon lepidus but it has been put into species rank in 2013. Its distribution range is limited to the Sierra Nevada and the Spanish east coast, reaching the Alicante Province in the north.
This is a robust and large reptile (up to 65 cm of total head-tail length, sometimes even 80-90 cm). The head is large and very distinct from the body. Like all the saurians, it has four legs that in this species are large and well developed. The eyelids are mobile (this character in addition to its legs, distinguishes a saurian from an ophidian). The body's colour is showy. Although the general tone can be perceived as greenish, the back is covered with yellow and black scales, as well as blue ones on the sides, generally forming ocelli (rounded spots). This ocelli profusion on the animal's body gives name to the species. The belly usually has a uniform tone: whitish, grey or yellowish. Young specimens are very striking because they exhibit a dozen rows of yellowish ocelli surrounded by a dark shade on a greyish, brown or greenish background.
Monday, 16 May 2016
16-5-2016 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SIERRA NEVADA OCELLATED LIZARD (Timon nevadensis)
Timon nevadensis, the Sierra Nevada lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. It is endemic to Spain. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of the ocellated lizard.
Formerly, Timon nevadensis had been regarded as subspecies of Timon lepidus but it has been put into species rank in 2013. Its distribution range is limited to the Sierra Nevada and the Spanish east coast, reaching the Alicante Province in the north.
This is a robust and large reptile (up to 65 cm of total head-tail length, sometimes even 80-90 cm). The head is large and very distinct from the body. Like all the saurians, it has four legs that in this species are large and well developed. The eyelids are mobile (this character in addition to its legs, distinguishes a saurian from an ophidian). The body's colour is showy. Although the general tone can be perceived as greenish, the back is covered with yellow and black scales, as well as blue ones on the sides, generally forming ocelli (rounded spots). This ocelli profusion on the animal's body gives name to the species. The belly usually has a uniform tone: whitish, grey or yellowish. Young specimens are very striking because they exhibit a dozen rows of yellowish ocelli surrounded by a dark shade on a greyish, brown or greenish background.
This species is indifferent in terms of habitat. It uses both scrub and forest areas, as well as agricultural land. It is common in open areas, with little vegetative cover and abundant shelter availability (large loose stones, stone heaps, stone walls, tree-holes, etc ...). It can also be present in parks and gardens of towns and small cities, where it climbs trees.
The ocellated lizards are diurnal, although in summer they can have some nocturnal activity avoiding the hot central hours of the day. It hibernates during the coldest months of the year, although it is possible to observe them on the sunny days of autumn and winter. It is a lone and unsociable reptile, which only mates briefly at the copulation moment and only after a somewhat violent approach to his partner. It is very agile and fast racing, being able to climb big trees very quickly. It is very distrustful and flees as soon as it feels threatened. Its diet mainly consists of insects, although it can prey on other smaller reptiles, amphibians, chickens and bird eggs, as well as on small mammals (rodents) and their offspring. They do not waste carrion and also consume wild fruits. Unlike other lizards, ocellated lizards actively search for their prey and hunt. Its bite, if handled, can be painful due to its great mandibular power.
The lizards come into heat in spring; at this moment, the males are very territorial and aggressive with other specimens, driving them out from their territories. When a female enters a male's territory, a kind of harassment situation happens (persecution and biting) to get the female to surrender and impede its escape until she agrees to copulate. Two or three months later the female deposits between 5 and 20 eggs in a small tunnel which she has dug in the ground. In summer, small lizards hatch and become sexually mature by the third year of life, after reaching thrice the size they were when they hatched.
The Sierra Nevada Ocellated Lizard is an impressive but terribly shy Lacertid. In particular, adult specimens may have flight distances of more than 20 meters. These lizards occur in high altitude mountain areas as well as in coastal dunes and agricultural land.
Monday, 2 May 2016
1-5-2016 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SIERRA NEVADA OCELLATED LIZARD (Timon nevadensis)
Timon nevadensis, the Sierra Nevada lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. It is endemic to Spain. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of the ocellated lizard.
Formerly, Timon nevadensis had been regarded as subspecies of Timon lepidus but it has been put into species rank in 2013. Its distribution range is limited to the Sierra Nevada and the Spanish east coast, reaching the Alicante Province in the north.
This is a robust and large reptile (up to 65 cm of total head-tail length, sometimes even 80-90 cm). The head is large and very distinct from the body. Like all the saurians, it has four legs that in this species are large and well developed. The eyelids are mobile (this character in addition to its legs, distinguishes a saurian from an ophidian). The body's colour is showy. Although the general tone can be perceived as greenish, the back is covered with yellow and black scales, as well as blue ones on the sides, generally forming ocelli (rounded spots). This ocelli profusion on the animal's body gives name to the species. The belly usually has a uniform tone: whitish, grey or yellowish. Young specimens are very striking because they exhibit a dozen rows of yellowish ocelli surrounded by a dark shade on a greyish, brown or greenish background.
This species is indifferent in terms of habitat. It uses both scrub and forest areas, as well as agricultural land. It is common in open areas, with little vegetative cover and abundant shelter availability (large loose stones, stone heaps, stone walls, tree-holes, etc ...). It can also be present in parks and gardens of towns and small cities, where it climbs trees.
The ocellated lizards are diurnal, although in summer they can have some nocturnal activity avoiding the hot central hours of the day. It hibernates during the coldest months of the year, although it is possible to observe them on the sunny days of autumn and winter. It is a lone and unsociable reptile, which only mates briefly at the copulation moment and only after a somewhat violent approach to his partner. It is very agile and fast racing, being able to climb big trees very quickly. It is very distrustful and flees as soon as it feels threatened. Its diet mainly consists of insects, although it can prey on other smaller reptiles, amphibians, chickens and bird eggs, as well as on small mammals (rodents) and their offspring. They do not waste carrion and also consume wild fruits. Unlike other lizards, ocellated lizards actively search for their prey and hunt. Its bite, if handled, can be painful due to its great mandibular power.
The lizards come into heat in spring; at this moment, the males are very territorial and aggressive with other specimens, driving them out from their territories. When a female enters a male's territory, a kind of harassment situation happens (persecution and biting) to get the female to surrender and impede its escape until she agrees to copulate. Two or three months later the female deposits between 5 and 20 eggs in a small tunnel which she has dug in the ground. In summer, small lizards hatch and become sexually mature by the third year of life, after reaching thrice the size they were when they hatched.
The Sierra Nevada Ocellated Lizard is an impressive but terribly shy Lacertid. In particular, adult specimens may have flight distances of more than 20 meters. These lizards occur in high altitude mountain areas as well as in coastal dunes and agricultural land.
Sunday, 3 May 2015
29-4-2015 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SIERRA NEVADA OCELLATED LIZARD (Timon nevadensis)
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Timon nevadensis, the Sierra Nevada lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. It is endemic to Spain. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of the ocellated lizard.
Formerly, Timon nevadensis had been regarded as subspecies of Timon lepidus but it has been put into species rank in 2013. Its distribution range is limited to the Sierra Nevada and the Spanish east coast, reaching the Alicante Province in the north.
The Sierra Nevada Ocellated Lizard is an impressive but terribly shy Lacertid. In particular, adult specimens may have flight distances of more than 20 meters. These lizards occur in high altitude mountain areas as well as in coastal dunes and agricultural land.
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Adult specimens differ from Timon lepidus by the grey or brown basic coloration with no or reduced black markings.
Juveniles and subadults of Timon nevadensis frequently show dark edges on the labial scales which lack in juvenile Timon lepidus. However, there seem to exist populations with intermediate characteristics.
Within its distribution range, Timon nevadensis cannot be confused with other lizards, due to its big size of adults and the distinct white spot pattern of the juveniles.
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Monday, 11 August 2014
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