Dalmatolacerta oxycephala - Sharp-snouted Rock Lizard
Time and again, the Dinaric / Adriatic area has proofed as a hot-spot for biodiversity which also applies for Lacertids. The genus of Dalmatolacerta is monotypic with its only representative - Dalmatolacerta oxycephala - occuring along the Adriatic Coast from Croatia to Albania. It's an excellent climber which lives in Mediterranean, karstified habitats.
Unlike other Rock Lizard species, the Dalmatolacerta oxycephala even occurs within human settlements, e.g. on the Kotor city walls, where these striking blue lizards frequently surprise tourists. This species is not very shy and can be easily observed.
With its blue heads and tails, the fine dot pattern and sharp snouts, Dalmatolacerta oxycephala cannot be confused with other species in the area:
- Dinarolacerta mosorensis may be similar but has no blue heads and tails.
- Algyroides nigropunctatus shows blue heads but no blue tails. Furthermore it can be identified by its strongly keeled scales.
- Podarcis muralis has no blue heads and tails and shorter snouts. Females frequently show light dorsolateral lines which lack in Dalmatolacerta oxycephala.
