Podarcis cretensis - Cretan Wall Lizard

Podarcis cretensis
Male: GR / Chania, 26.05.2022 - the colors of this male resemble to the closely related Podarcis peloponnesiacus

Podarcis cretensis is an endemic species of Crete and the only representative of the genus Podarcis on that island. Males can show bright colors in spring with green backs, blue spots on shoulders and yellow, orange or whitish throats. The the pictures on this page demonstrate the species' substantial variability in color and pattern.

Remarkably, this species seems to be abundant in the west but absent in the eastern part of Crete (east of the city of Rethimnon); however, it occures on several islets off Eastern Crete. The reason for this distribution gap is unknown.

 

Until 2007, these lizards were supposed to be a subspecies of Podarcis erhardii. But genetic analysis revealed that it is a seperate species closely related to Podarcis peloponnesiacus and Podarcis levendis.

 

Being the only small Lacertid on Crete, Podarcis cretensis can hardly be confused with other species. Juveniles of Lacerta trilineata differ from Podarcis cretensis by their characteristic light vertebral and dorsolateral lines on a more or less uniform brownish back.

Podarcis cretensis
The distribution range of Podarcis cretensis is limited to western Crete and some islets off the Cretan coast.

Podarcis peloponnesiacus
Male: GR / Chania, 26.05.2022 - A green-backed specimen
Podarcis cretensis
Male: GR / Chania, 26.05.2022 - Male with yellow throat
Podarcis cretensis
Male: GR / Chania, 27.05.2022 - This specimen shows extensive blue spots on the flanks
Podarcis cretensis
Male: GR / Chania, 27.05.2022 - This one shows contrasting pattern - almost resembling to Podarcis milensis...
Podarcis cretensis
Male: GR / Chania, 26.05.2022 - Another yellow-throated specimen
Podarcis cretensis
Male: GR / Chania, 25.05.2022 - This one shows very dark flanks
Podarcis cretensis
Male: GR Chania, 27.055.2022 - Another green-backed male
Podarcis cretensis
Pair: GR / Chania, 26.05.2022
Podarcis cretensis
Pair: GR / Chania, 27.05.2022
Podarcis cretensis
Female: GR / Chania, 27.05.2022
Podarcis cretensis
Male: GR / Chania, 11.04.2012 - A male with bright orange throat.
Podarcis cretensis
Male: GR / Plakias, 06.04.2012 - During mating season, males frequently show green backs.
Podarcis cretensis
Female: GR / Plakias, 06.04.2012 - Females and juveniles may have greenish tails.
Podarcis cretensis
The Omalos Plateau (Crete) in early spring - Habitat of Podarcis cretensis and Lacerta trilineata.