Podarcis filfolensis
| Maltese wall lizard | |
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| Maltese Wall Lizard in Marsaxlokk, Malta | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Lacertidae |
| Genus: | Podarcis |
| Species: | P. filfolensis |
| Binomial name | |
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Podarcis filfolensis (Bedriaga, 1876) |
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The filfola lizard or Maltese wall lizard (Podarcis filfolensis) is a species of lizard in the Lacertidae family. It is found in Italy (in the Pelagian Islands) and in the island group of Malta. Its natural habitats are Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, rocky areas, rocky shores, arable land, pastureland, and rural gardens.
In the Maltese Islands, there are four subspecies of the Maltese Wall Lizard. All four subspecies are endemic to the Maltese Islands.
This subspecies is found on the three main islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino. It is normally greenish and sometimes speckled.
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.
This subspecies is endemic to Selmunett, otherwise known as St.Paul's Islands. Its colours vary greatly e.g. brown, grey, etc. with an orange belly and small black spots. The population became extinct in 2005.
This subspecies is endemic to Fungus Rock (west coast of Gozo). It has a reddish belly and blue-like flanks.
A fifth subspecies is thought to exist on the island of Cominotto/Kemunett and another subspecies, Podarcis filfolensis ssp. laurentimulleri, occurs on the Italian islands of Linosa and Lampione.
Unlike the males, who have bright colours, young lizards and females have somewhat dull coloration (brownish). The Maltese Wall Lizard usually eats small insects like ants or termites.
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Wikipedia