Ablepharus kitaibelii

The European copper skink, also known as the European snake-eyed skink, juniper skink, or simply the snake-eyed skink, is an intriguing small lizard scientifically named Ablepharus kitaibelii. This species belongs to the Scincidae family and is found across Eastern Europe and Southwestern Asia. Its range includes countries such as Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Albania, Slovakia, Turkey, Syria, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt (specifically the Sinai Peninsula), with possible presence in Iraq.

Several subspecies of A. kitaibelii are distributed throughout these regions. For example, A. k. fitzingeri is found in Slovakia, Hungary, Greece, and Corfu, while A. k. stepaneki inhabits Bulgaria and Romania.

This skink is small and slender, growing up to about 15 cm in length, including its tail. It has a striking bronze hue with darker sides, and one of its distinctive features is its immovable eyelids, which set it apart from other skinks. Naturally shy, the European copper skink prefers to hide under stones and leaves in dry habitats such as south-facing slopes, fields, and meadows. It is most active during twilight and feeds on insects and small snails, staying close to the ground and avoiding climbing.

In the realm of taxonomy, some subspecies that were once classified under Ablepharus kitaibelii have been reclassified as separate species, such as Ablepharus rueppellii and Ablepharus budaki.