Green Iberian Wall Lizard

About the Green Iberian Wall Lizard

Podarcis virescens, or Geniez's wall lizard, is a lizard of the Lacertidae family. Podarcis virescens is commonly found in the Iberian Peninsula, including Spain and Portugal. Podarcis virescens is a lizard species of a moderate size, although it can be significantly larger than other lizards in the Podarcis genus, such as Podarcis carbonelli. Podarcis virescens vary significantly in colour, with individuals ranging from white to brown or black. Individuals, particularly males, may change colour to green during the spring, which then disappears in the summer. The underside of the lizard is more yellow than other parts of its body. Podarcis virescens is robust and not flattened compared to other lizard species. Males and females are of around the same size, between 40 mm and 63 mm.

Podarcis virescens is considered a robust lizard due to its build. Podarcis lizards vary greatly in colour and build, so Podarcis virescens does not completely share appearance traits with other species of the same genus. This was likely caused by increased diversification in the history of Podarcis lizards, especially during the time period preceding and around the Zanclean flood.

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