Podarcis filfolensis - Maltese Wall Lizard
The Maltese Wall Lizard is maybe one of the most underrated Lacertids in Europe: One might think that it's just another Wall Lizard species - but it's a jewel! Highly variable in pattern, it can show bright yellow and green colours, and the black morphs with blue spots from Filfola Rock (and Linosa Island) are real stunners.
Podarcis filfolensis can be found on Malta and Gozo (plus adjoining islets) and the Pelagic Islands of Linosa and Lampione. These lizards are highly adaptable and can live on bare volcanic rocks as well as in the city gardens of Valletta (Malta). On the Pelagic Islands, they occur in high densities. There, the chance of exploring new food resources makes them curious and fearless.
Although it is quite variable pattern and colour, Podarcis filfolensis cannot be confused with other species as it is the only Lacertid lizard in its range.
Currently, four subspecies are recognized:
- The nominate subspecies occurs on Filfola islet south of Malta only.
- Subsp. generalensis occurs on a rock off western Gozo.
- The populations of Linosa and Lampione are referred to subsp. laurentiimuelleri.
- On Malta and Gozo subsp. maltensis occurs.
Anyhow, genetic analysis has put this subspecies taxonomy into question. There seem to be two genetic lineages: Malta on the one hand and the other populations on the other hand*.
* RODRIGUEZ, V. & BROWN, R.P. & TERRASA, B. & PEREZ-MELLADO, V. & PICORNELL, A. & CASTRO, J.A. & RAMON, C. (2013) - Genetic diversity and historical biogeography of the Maltese wall lizard, Podarcis filfolensis (Squamata: Lacertidae). - Conservation Genetics, 15 (2): 295-304.
