In particular on Corsica, the species was formerly supposed to be rare but it seems that it just had been frequently overlooked – due to its small size and its secretive behaviour.

It prefers rather humid (micro-)habitats with enough shade and dense vegetation.

Within its distribution area, it cannot be confused with other species:

Archaeolacerta bedriagae and Podarcis tiliguerta are significantly bigger and don't have keeled scales.

Its closest relative is Algyroides marchi in Spain.