Carbonell’s Wall Lizard

About the Carbonell’s Wall Lizard

Podarcis carbonelli, commonly known as Carbonell's wall lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. The species is native to Portugal and Spain. This lizard reaches a total length (including tail) of 20 cm (8 in), and feeds primarily on small invertebrates such as insects, arachnids, and snails. Its natural habitats are temperate shrublands and sandy shores. Habitat loss threatens its survival.

The specific name, carbonelli, is in honor of "J. Carbonell" who is the wife of Pérez-Mellado. Carbonell's wall lizard grows to a snout-to-vent length of 6.5 cm (2.6 in) with a tail about twice as long. Females tend to be slightly larger than males in some localities. The dorsal surface is usually grey or brown, but is sometimes green (especially so in males), copiously speckled with rows of dark markings. The flanks may also be somewhat greenish with reticulated, dark markings. The underparts are whitish and there are often small blue spots along the edge of the belly. It differs from all other Iberian Wall Lizards by generally showing greenish flanks but no green backs.

Carbonell's wall lizard much resembles the closely related Bocage's wall lizard... Wikipedia →