Italian Wall Lizard

Range

The Italian Wall Lizard is endemic in The North Adriatic Coast, The Italian Peninsula, Corsica and Sicily. But it can also be found in the Mediterranean Island, North Africa, Turkey and The United Kingdom.

Habitats

The Italian Wall Lizard is a very strong climber. It can be found in a series of habitats such as grassy areas, plantations, gardens, trees, buildings, rocky areas, roadsides, walls, etc. This species is usually seen during the day and it hunts for food on the ground. Based on the conditions affecting this species varying from location, seasonal changes to environmental factors, this lizard feeds on insects, millipedes, plants and small reptiles. This species communicates through head bobbing, hissing and tail flicking. For this species, mating occurs between March and July and fertilization also occurs within this period. This lizard is oviparous. The average female lays up to 6 batches each containing an average of 7 eggs but this is different for a female who is just breeding for the first time and can only lay about 3 or 4 batches. Eggs are hatched within 5 to 7 weeks.

Identification

The Italian Wall Lizard is small with an adult sizing between 3.5 to 4 inches from snout to vent. Its tail is usually about twice the size of the body giving it a length of 5.5 to 9 inches. The tail of the male lizard is usually swollen at the base. It has varying colors such as green, olive-green, yellow-green and light brown but these colors are often subjected to change during hot climates. They have a naturally robust physical appearance with very strong limbs and a large, long head. This however does not apply to the females who are often smaller in size and length. This species has a spotless belly which can be in any of creamy white, grey, light yellow or green colors.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians