Lagartixa-do-mato

Description:

They are characterised by their two light thin lines that run down the top of the flank. They hatch at around 3 cm long, averaging about 7 cm long growing up to sometimes 8 cm long (measures not including tail, max. adult size tail included is up to 24 cm long). They are a long, slim lizard which has incredible agility and speed. Their tails are very long and slim sometimes up to twice the length of the body, it's limbs are also long and thin allowing short burst of high speed. It's head is slightly pointed and it has near the front legs a small patch of many small scales. Their body scales are somewhat 'jagged' keeled, pointed and almost upturned on each scale end. The juveniles have the same patterns and colouring as the adults. They are usually dark brown on the back and slightly lighter brown but not by much on the flanks, these two slightly different tones of brown are separated by the characteristic thin line, it's colour is mostly yellow with sometimes the part near the hind limbs being more orange. Their tail is brown and on the tails sides the orange colour of the line is sometimes present. They sometimes as adults have a small patch of blue near their front legs, the patch where they have the small scales. Their bellies are white, sometimes under the throat there may be a patch of yellow.

Habitat:

They are found in quite dry habitats, mostly with a lot of grass. They are also easily observed at the edge of vine yards where there is bushes such as black burry bushes. They seem more common where water may be near by.