Ascalabus was the son of Misme. The family lived in Attica and received Demeter as a guest when the goddess searched for Persephone. It was a hot day, and Demeter was desperate for some refreshment. Misme offered her a drink of water, barley groats, and pennyroyal. The goddess, being terribly thirsty, swallowed the potion quickly, but her haste made Ascalabus laugh. His laughter infuriated Demeter, who emptied the remains of her drink on his head, thus transforming him into a spotted lizard. The animal became known as askalabos and spends its life in the ditches and among the parched stones. Any mortal who kills an askalabos earns Demeter’s friendship. 

Ceres in the house of Hecuba, Adam Elsheimer, ca. 1605, painting, Museo Nacional del Prado © Museo Nacional del Prado