Stellagama stellio

Classification and Taxonomy

Stellagama stellio, commonly known as the star lizard or stellion, is a species of lizard in the Agamidae family. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 as Lacerta stellio. The genus Stellagama is monotypic, meaning it contains only one species.

Distribution and Habitat

Stellagama stellio is found in southwestern Asia, including North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Europe. It inhabits dry, rocky areas with scrub vegetation.

Physical Characteristics

Adult lizards typically reach a body length of 10-13 cm (3.9-5.1 in), with a tail that can be up to one and a half times longer than the body. Males are slightly larger than females, with a maximum total length of up to 30 cm (11.8 in). The body color is variable, often featuring gray or black with yellowish spots.

Behavior

During mating season, males of the subspecies Stellagama stellio stellio develop a yellow or red head. Scales along the spine are heterogeneous and uneven.

Conservation Status

Stellagama stellio is not considered to be endangered.

Etymology

The name "stellio" comes from the Latin word for "star", referring to the species' distinctive appearance. The genus name Stellagama combines "stello" with the suffix "-gama", indicating its membership in the Agamidae family.

Note: I have ignored the irrelevant information in SOURCE 8, which appears to be describing a different genus (Hemidactylus) altogether.