Minoan Bronze Age

Just too cute for words

The Armadillo Lizard possesses an uncommon and creative antipredator adaptation, in which it takes its tail in its mouth and rolls into a ball when frightened. In this shape it is protected from predators by the thick, squarish scales along its back and the spines on its tail.

Growing to an average length between 6 and 8 inches, it is certainly not a monster in the reptile world. But to some, it looks like a little dinosaur with skin that is covered with protective scales along its back and spines on the neck and tail. These physical traits make it extremely difficult and quite awkward for predators to attack it while it is curled up in it’s defensive position.

Most reptiles tend to be loners and not overly sociable creatures. But this is not the case for the Armadillo girdled lizard. In fact, you will often find a large group (sometimes up to 30 individuals) sharing the same rock crevice!  (read more at Save The Reptiles)

Minoan Sea Daffodils "Lilies" Fresco
Late Bronze Age (LBA), Late Minoan I Period
Akrotiri, Santorini (Thera), Greece.