Archaeolacerta bedriagae - Bedriaga's Rock Lizard
Bedriaga's Rock Lizard is a rather stolid character. If the feel disturbed, they will leave unhurriedly - and not come out again. They don't seem to be curious at all, in contrast to the opportunitstic and hectic Wall Lizard species. With their flat heads and long, elongated snouts they are well adapted to rock crevices. However, there seems to be high variability in head shape - even within the same population. Pattern and colouration can be quite variable and there seem to be little external differences between the sexes.
The distribution range of Archaeolacerta bedriagae is restricted to Corsica and Sardinia. Some subspecies have been described for Sardinia, which seem to be questionable, however. Instead, genetic analysis indicates that there are two different lineages: one in the high altitude mountain habitats of central Corsica and another one in coastal southern Corsica and scattered areas on Sardinia.
With its sharp snout and its more or less distinct dot pattern, this species cannot be confused with other lizards in the area:
- Podarcis tiliguerta and Podarcis siculus, particularly females, show light dorsolateral lines and have shorter heads. Where Podarcis tiliguerta and Archaeolacerta bedriagae co-occur, the latter one prefers barren rock areas.
- Algyroides fitzingeri is smaller and has strongly keeled scales.
