Filfola Lizard
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| Filfola Lizard | ||||||||||||||
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| Podarcis filfolensis (Bedriaga, 1876) |
The Filfola Lizard or Maltese Wall Lizard (Podarcis filfolensis) is a species of lizard in the Lacertidae family. It is found in Italy and Malta. Its natural habitats are Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, rocky areas, rocky shores, arable land, pastureland, and rural gardens.
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[edit] The Filfola Lizard in Malta
In the Maltese Islands, there are four subspecies of the Maltese Wall Lizard. All four subspecies are endemic to the Maltese Islands.
[edit] Podarcis filfolensis ssp. maltensis
This subspecies is found on the three main islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino. It is normally greenish and sometimes speckled [1].
[edit] Podarcis filfolensis ssp. filfolensis
This subspecies is endemic to the islet of Filfla just off the coast of Malta. It is the largest of the four subspecies and is blackish with bluish spots [1].
[edit] Podarcis filfolensis ssp. kieselbachi
This subspecies is endemic to Selmunett, otherwise known as St.Paul's Islands. Its colours vary greatly e.g. brown, grey, etc. with a orange belly and small black spots [1].recent studies indicate that this population is probably extinct.
[edit] Podarcis filfolensis ssp. generalensis
This subspecies is endemic to Fungus Rock (west coast of Gozo). It has a reddish belly and blue-like flanks [1].
[edit] Other subspecies
A fifth subspecies is thought to exist on the island of Cominotto/Kemunett [1] and another subspecies occurs on the Italian islands of Linosa and Lampione[2].
[edit] Features and behaviour
Unlike the males, who have bright colours, young lizards and females have somewhat dull coloration (brownish) [1].
Males show territorial behaviour. When other males enter its territory, it puffs up and raises its head. A similar behaviour is seen when they attract females. Mating takes place in spring. One or two eggs are laid shortly after, and finally hatch between June and mid-August [1].
[edit] See also
[edit] References and sources
- Corti, C. & Pérez-Mellado, V. 2005. Podarcis filfolensis. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 28 July 2007.
Arnold Sciberras (2007) Lizards At Id-Dwejra. Dwejra Heritage Park Gozo pgs.28-33. Dwejra Management Board.
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