Very active but secretive. Climbs readily into vegetation and on rocks.
Data Deficient
A small slender lizard, maximum SVL 35 mm. Tail proportionately long, average tail/SVL ratio = 2.7 (n=2). Supraciliaries in contact with supraoculars; tympanum exposed, tympanic shield small; supratemporals small, not distinct from other temporals; occipital and interparietal large and in contact. Dorsals large (17-19) imbricate, strongly keeled; 6 ventrals; 9-10 femoral pores (based on 3 Egyptian specimens). Dorsal pattern striking, composed of black and buff stripes; color and pattern has the same intensity and contrast along the entire back; head and tail olive-brown; limbs pinkish brown with dark marbling; venter grayish white.
Known only from Gebel Elba. Specimens have been collected from Wadi Kansisrob (Type), Wadi Akau, Wadi Akwamtra, and Wadi Aideib.
Known from southeast Egypt and southwest Arabia north to about 21°N. It almost certainly occurs south through eastern Sudan, Eritrea, and possibly Djibouti.
On Gebel Elba the species is found on the middle altitudes of the mountain, above 400 m. It inhabits well-vegetated microhabitats, strewn with boulders and rocks.
Uncommon and localized. All the Egyptian population falls within the Elba Protected Area. In Egypt it is Near Threatened.
Ophisops elbaensis, the Mount Elba snake-eyed lizard, is a wall lizard in the family of true lizards (Lacertidae). It is found in Sudan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen.[2]
Ophisops elbaensis, the Mount Elba snake-eyed lizard, is a wall lizard in the family of true lizards (Lacertidae). It is found in Sudan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen.
