A diurnal ground-dwelling lizard.On the western Mediterranean coastal plain of Egypt, the species is strongly associated with desert snails Eremina sp. E. schneideri has been observed to feed heavily on these snails (shell remains found in feces) and their distributions seem to coincide to a great extent in this part of its range in Egypt. Along the southern unvegetated margin of the coastal plain, where snails are still plentiful, the lizards are also found. Here the snails feed solely on lichens supported by occasional dew. Desert snails are abundant on the western Mediterranean coastal plain and probably play a critical role in the local ecosystem. The large gape and strong jaws probably facilitate crushing the snails' shells.
Least Concern
Large heavily built lizard, maximum SVL recorded in Egypt 165 mm; tail relatively long, average tail/SVLratio = 1.5. Four supraoculars, 5 supralabials anterior to eye; 4-5 pairs of nuchals; ear with 3-4 prominent lobules, largely obscuring the tympanum. Dorsals slightly larger than ventrals, both larger than flank scales, 26-28 scales around mid-body. Dorsal coloration greenish gray interspersed with scattered orange scales, which can form indistinct transverse bands; an irregular orange line runs from the posterior supralabials along the flanks and onto the tail sides, separating the grayish dorsum from the yellow venter. Limbs brownish with orange spots. Juveniles with ocellated pattern.
Widespread in the western Mediterranean coastal plain, from the western margins of the Delta to the border with Libya, penetrating south to the northern rim of the Qattara Depression. Specimens collected from Siwa Oases reported by Marx (1968) might represent an isolated population.
In Sinai it is known from the high mountain region around St. Katherine. Flower (1933) reported it from between "Romani" (= Romana) and El Arish.The species is likely to be more widespread but uncommon in northeast Sinai.
Northern Algeria to northern Egypt, Israel, and Palestine.
Usually inhabits areas with good (steppe-like) vegetation cover and scattered rocks and stones. In South Sinai it is found in well-vegetated wadis at fairly high altitudes. Confined to Mediterranean and Irano-Turanian vegetation zones.
Widespread and rather uncommon. In south Sinai it is uncommon and localized. Declining due to commercial overexploitation and habitat loss. Rather sensitive to habitat alterations. In Egypt this colorful species is under heavy pressure from animal traders, who collect many thousands every year, mostly from the coastal habitats west of Alexandria. In Egypt it is Vulnerable.
