Podarcis filfolensis maltensis
A species of Wall lizards Scientific name : Podarcis filfolensis maltensis Genus : Wall lizards
Podarcis filfolensis maltensis, A species of Wall lizards
Scientific name: Podarcis filfolensis maltensis
Genus: Wall lizards
Content
Description General Info
Photo By mister_bumble , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Podarcis filfolensis maltensis is a resilient, cryptic species of wall lizard, native to the Maltese archipelago. Favouring arid habitats, it seeks shelter within stone structures and rock crevices. A key survival trait, it demonstrates a form of site fidelity, returning to the same sunning location repeatedly. This particular behavioral adaptation aids in its thermoregulation, key for its metabolism and activity. Furthermore, its omnivorous diet, consuming a wide range of insects and plant material, enables it to survive in fluctuating environmental conditions.
General Info
Lifespan
5-8 years
Diet
Podarcis filfolensis maltensis thrives predominantly on an insectivorous diet. Its meal often features various arthropods, particularly ants and beetles. An opportunist feeder, podarcis filfolensis maltensis also consumes snails and plant matter when available.
Appearance
Podarcis filfolensis maltensis is a small-sized lizard, generally ranging from 8 to 9 centimetres in length. Its body is sleek and elongated, covered in rough, scaly skin. The lizard showcases a dominant greenish-grey hue, spotted with dark patches, which helps in camouflage. Males differ from females as they possess more pronounced stripes along their bodies. Unlike other species, juveniles do not have any significant differences in appearance.
Behavior
Podarcis filfolensis maltensis is a largely solitary reptile, engaging in territorial behavior such as head bobbing and push-ups to assert dominance or ward off intruders. Thriving under sunshine with an active basking habit, it adeptly hunts insects and spiders for sustenance. Remarkably, when threatened, podarcis filfolensis maltensis can self-amputate its tail, a survival tactic known as autotomy.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Wall lizards Genus
Wall lizards Species
Podarcis filfolensis maltensis 
AI animal expert in your pocket
Scan QR code to download
