Podarcis filfolensis
The Maltese wall lizard (Podarcis filfolensis) is a species of lizard found in the Pelagian Islands of Italy and the Maltese Islands. Its natural habitats include Mediterranean-type shrubland, rocky areas, arable land, and gardens. This species is notable for its several endemic subspecies across the Maltese archipelago, with varying coloration and size.
Key Facts
- ›Found in the Pelagian Islands (Italy) and the Maltese Islands.
- ›Inhabits Mediterranean-type shrubland, rocky areas, arable land, and gardens.
- ›Has four endemic subspecies in the Maltese Islands, with an additional subspecies on Italian islands.
- ›Males exhibit territorial behavior and display brighter colors than females and young lizards.
- ›Diet primarily consists of small insects like ants and termites.
- ›Mating occurs in spring, with eggs laid shortly after and hatching between June and MID-August.
Maltese Wall Lizard, Filfla Lizard
Italy, Malta
- Males Typically Have Bright Colors.
- Young Lizards and Females Have Duller, Brownish Coloration.
- Subspecies Vary In Appearance: P. F. Maltensis Is Greenish and Sometimes Speckled; P. F. Filfolensis Is Blackish With Bluish Spots; P. F. Kieselbachi Varies In Color With An Orange Belly and Small Black Spots; P. F. Generalensis Has A Reddish Belly and Blue-Like Flanks.
Small Insects, Ants, Termites
- Males Exhibit Territorial Behavior.
- Males Puff Up and Raise Their Heads When Other Males Enter Their Territory Or To Attract Females.
- Mating Takes Place In Spring.
About Podarcis filfolensis
The Maltese wall lizard, scientifically known as Podarcis filfolensis, is a reptile species native to the Mediterranean region. It is primarily found in the Pelagian Islands of Italy and across the Maltese Islands. Its natural habitats are diverse, encompassing Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, rocky areas, rocky shores, arable land, pastureland, and rural gardens, demonstrating its adaptability to various terrestrial environments.
Subspecies and Distribution
Podarcis filfolensis is notable for its several endemic subspecies. Within the Maltese Islands, four distinct subspecies have been identified, each with unique characteristics and distributions. These include P. f. maltensis found on the main islands of Malta, Gozo, and Comino, typically being greenish and sometimes speckled. The islet of Filfla, off the coast of Malta, is home to P. f. filfolensis, the largest subspecies, characterized by its blackish coloration and bluish spots. Selmunett, also known as St. Paul's Islands, hosts P. f. kieselbachi, which exhibits varied colors like brown and grey, often with an orange belly and small black spots, though this population unfortunately became extinct in 2005. Fungus Rock, on the west coast of Gozo, is the exclusive habitat for P. f. generalensis, distinguished by its reddish belly and blue-like flanks. Additionally, a fifth subspecies is believed to exist on Cominotto/Kemunett, and P. f. laurentimulleri is found on the Italian islands of Linosa and Lampione.
Features and Behavior
Distinctive physical traits are observed between the sexes and age groups. Male Maltese wall lizards generally display brighter coloration compared to the somewhat duller, brownish hues of young lizards and females. Behaviorally, males are territorial and engage in displays of puffing up their bodies and raising their heads when other males intrude upon their territory or when seeking to attract females. The mating season for Podarcis filfolensis occurs in the spring. Following mating, one to two eggs are laid, with hatching typically occurring between June and mid-August.
Diet
The diet of the Maltese wall lizard primarily consists of small insects. Ants and termites are commonly consumed by this species, forming the bulk of its nutritional intake.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name of the Maltese wall lizard?
The scientific name of the Maltese wall lizard is Podarcis filfolensis. It belongs to the Lacertidae family of lizards.
Where can the Maltese wall lizard be found?
This lizard species is naturally found in the Pelagian Islands of Italy and across the Maltese Islands. Its preferred habitats include rocky areas and Mediterranean vegetation.
Are there different types of Maltese wall lizards?
Yes, there are several subspecies of Podarcis filfolensis. Four subspecies are endemic to the Maltese Islands, and another subspecies is found on the Italian islands of Linosa and Lampione.
What do Maltese wall lizards eat?
The typical diet of the Maltese wall lizard consists of small insects. Ants and termites are commonly preyed upon by this species.
How do male Maltese wall lizards behave?
Male Maltese wall lizards are territorial and will puff themselves up and raise their heads when encountering other males or when attracting females. Mating typically occurs in the spring.
What is the coloration of the Maltese wall lizard?
Coloration varies among subspecies and between sexes. Young and female lizards are generally brownish and duller, while males often display brighter colors. For instance, the subspecies on Filfla is blackish with bluish spots, and the subspecies on Fungus Rock has a reddish belly.
Related Lizards
East Canary gecko
The East Canary gecko, also known as the Canary wall gecko (Tarentola angustimentalis), is a species of lizard native to the eastern Canary Islands. This plump, dorsally flattened gecko is characterized by adhesive toe pads, small tubercles on its skin, and variable greyish-brown coloration with darker bars. It inhabits a wide range of environments, from rocky shores and shrubland to urban areas, and is commonly observed at night on walls and ceilings.
Podarcis pityusensis
The Ibiza wall lizard (Podarcis pityusensis) is a species native to the Balearic Islands, primarily Ibiza and Formentera. This lizard is characterized by its green, grey, or brownish dorsal surface, a pale dorso-lateral stripe, and a robust body with coarse scales. It inhabits a variety of environments, including rocky shores, gardens, and urban areas, and its population is currently listed as endangered due to invasive snake species.
Tarentola angustimentalis
The East Canary gecko, scientifically known as Tarentola angustimentalis, is a species of lizard endemic to the eastern Canary Islands. This sturdy, plump gecko is characterized by its flattened head and body, adhesive toe pads with strong claws, and a variable greyish-brown coloration often marked with paler stripes and darker bars. It thrives in a variety of habitats, from rocky shores and shrublands to urban areas, and is commonly observed at night on outdoor walls.