Iberian skink
Chalcides bedriagai
Reptilia Chalcides bedriagai, commonly known as Bedriaga's skink, is a species of lizard found in the Comunidad Valenciana and other parts of the Iberian Peninsula. This skink is known for its elongated body and smooth, shiny scales, which provide it with an almost snake-like appearance.
- Appearance: Bedriaga's skinks are typically bronze or brown in color, sometimes with darker spots or stripes running along their bodies. They have small, well-formed legs and a relatively long tail.
- Habitat: These lizards prefer dry, open areas with plenty of ground cover, such as scrublands, grasslands, and rocky terrains. They are often found sunning themselves on warm rocks or hidden under vegetation.
- Behavior: Chalcides bedriagai are diurnal and are most active during the day. They are terrestrial and tend to burrow or hide under stones and debris when threatened.
- Diet: Their diet consists mainly of small invertebrates, including insects and arachnids, which they actively hunt using their keen eyesight.
- Reproduction: Bedriaga's skinks are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. Females typically lay a small clutch of eggs during the warmer months.
- Conservation Status: While not currently evaluated on a global scale, the conservation status of Bedriaga's skink may vary locally. Habitat destruction and fragmentation pose threats to their populations.
Recognized locally as Bedriaga's skink, Chalcides bedriagai is an intriguing species contributing to the biodiversity of the Comunidad Valenciana. Its presence underscores the importance of conserving its natural habitat.