Podarcis peloponnesiacus - Peloponnese Wall Lizard
The Peloponnese is a hotspot for endemism and thus, it may not surprise that it also holds specific Wall Lizard species. Podarcis peloponnesiacus is a robust lizard with males often showing spectacular colours in spring. This species can be found in rocky areas as well as in gardens and olive groves.
During mating season, males of Podarcis peloponnesiacus can be quite territorial and highly aggressive. On the other hand, they seem to be able to establish temporary pair bonds with their partners which seem to last significantly longer than mating season - A remarkable behavior for such a small reptile.
Besides of the nominate subspecies, subspecies thais has been described for the eastern part of Peloponnese. Due to genetic differences and biogeographical separation, subsp. thais has been raised into species rank in 2021. For differentiation between Podarcis peloponnesiacus and Podarcis thais, see the latter species.
Its closest relatives are Podarcis cretensis and Podarcis levendis.
Podarcis peloponnesiacus co-occurs with three other Podarcis species:
- Podarcis erhardii livadiacus has dark spots on the labials which lack in Podarcis peloponnesiacus. Furthermore, Podarcis peloponnesiacus frequently has a vertebral line, which lacks in Podarcis erhardii.
- Podarcis muralis has a distinct brown stripe between eyes and ears, which usually lacks in Podarcis peloponnesiacus. Male Podarcis peloponnesiacus differ from Podarcis muralis by the extensive blue spots on the flanks.
- Podarcis ionicus differs from Podarcis peloponnesiacus by its bright green coloration (in spring).
