Nidua Sand Lizards, Acanthodactylus scutellatus, commonly known as the spiny-footed lizard, are desert-dwelling reptiles widely distributed across North Africa and parts of the Middle East. It thrives in sandy and semi-arid habitats, where its elongated toes fringed with fine scales help it run swiftly over loose sand without sinking. This lizard is diurnal and highly active, often seen basking in the morning sun before foraging for insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. Its sandy-brown colouration, sometimes marked with lighter spots or stripes, provides effective camouflage against the desert substrate. Adapted to extreme environments, A. scutellatus can tolerate high temperatures and seeks shelter in burrows during the hottest part of the day. Its remarkable speed and specialised morphology make it one of the most iconic reptiles of the Saharan ecosystem.
