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Algyroides moreoticus, Lacerta agilis, Lacerta graeca, Lacerta oxycephala, Lacerta trilineata, Lacerta viridis, Podarcis melisellensis fiumana, Podarcis muralis albanica, Podarcis peloponnesiaca, Podarcis sicula campestris, Podarcis taurica ionica, Podarcis taurica taurica.

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(1) Two sympatric lizard species, Podarcis (=Lacerta) muralis brueggemanni and P. sicula campestris, were studied in Tuscany. (2) The daily cycle of behaviour is strongly influenced by weather conditions. P. muralis is active for approximately 255 days per year. (3) The mean active body temperatures maintained by the two species in the laboratory did not differ significantly, but in the field in August they differed by 1.6 degrees C (P. muralis 33.6 degrees C; P. sicula 35.2 degrees C), although the maxima were identical (36.6 degrees C). It is suggested that the difference in mean body temperature is a consequence of differences in habitat and foraging behaviour between the species. (4) Daily food consumption was estimated by method (b) of Avery (1971), using pooled data for the two species. Consumption during hot weather in August was given by C=34.6W0.65 and during cooler weather in April by C=19.3W0.71 where C=food consumption in mg dry wt day-1 and W=live wt in grams. Estimated annual food consumption of P. muralis for 3 years ranged from 162.8-168.8 kJ g live wt-0.7yr-1. (5) Stomach volume (combined data for the two species) was given by V=0.092W0.79 where V=volume in ml and W=live wt in grams. (6) P. muralis differs from Lacerta vivipara in Britain in the following respects: (i) individuals are active on 83 (=48%) more days yr-1; (ii) active body temperature is 3.4 degrees C higher; (iii) daily weight-specific food consumption is 50-59% greater; (iv) annual weight-specific food consumption is 127-151% greater; (v) stomach volume is greater, by an amount which varies with body weight. The significance of these differences is discussed.

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The list of amphibians and reptiles living in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur constitutes an inventory of up-to-date knowledge on herpetofauna. It contains 22 amphibian taxons and 41 reptile taxons. It also contains their regional distribution, a list of the relevant national, European, and international protection laws, as well as the conservation status of each species.

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The list of amphibians and reptiles living in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur constitutes an inventory of up-to-date knowledge on herpetofauna.

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A certain habitat may be favourable for a species if inside it suitable conditions for growth, reproduction and survival of that species persist. For oviparous reptiles in particular, the egg-stage can play an important role in determining distribution patterns; however its influence, above all in human altered landscape is scarcely explored. This study, performed in Tuscany, central Italy, investigated the female reproductive success of the lacertid lizard Podarcis siculus campestris inside agricultural habitats. We surveyed vineyards and olive tree plantations showing different agricultural managements: intensive (use of chemicals and machineries) and traditional (no/little amounts of chemical compounds, maintenance of grass soil cover). In six sampling sites we collected a total of 50 females (a minimum of 7 individuals per site) from April to late July 2007, covering the whole annual reproductive period. Females were singly housed in terraria exposed to natural condition of light-dark, ventilation and air temperatures; individuals were daily weighted and terraria were checked at least twice a day for eggs. Soon after deposition eggs were measured and singly weighted on a digital balance to the nearest 0.001g; females were also weighted after oviposition and then released to the site of capture. Our first aim was to examine the mechanism of P. siculus campestris female reproductive investment in the surveyed populations; in a second step, we wanted to verify if such investment was influenced by factors such as land use, agricultural management, external parasite rate and predation pressure (as indicated by the occurrence of regenerated tails). We considered three main variables in the analyses: clutch size, clutch mass and average egg weight (all of them were adjusted for log-maternal SVL and the effects of oviposition period and of the time elapsed between capture and egg laying were controlled). We found that relative fertility (residuals of the regression between clutch size and maternal SVL) was correlated with average egg weight, thus revealing the presence of no trade off between clutch size and average egg weight. Moreover, relative reproductive investment (residuals of the regression between clutch mass and SVL) was positively correlated with both relative fertility and average egg weight. This result “suggests” that females that invest more do it laying both more and heavier eggs. ANCOVA analyses revealed that clutch size and clutch mass were not influenced by land use, land management, deposition period, external parasite rate and regenerated tail occurrence. On the contrary, average egg weight was correlated to the external parasite rate. The obtained results are in agreement with the well known adaptability of P. siculus. In the populations we surveyed the reproductive output was not influenced by very different habitats and levels of anthropic disturbance. Nor this lizard showed a trade- off between clutch size and egg weight, typical in the presence of food availability and habitat constraints.

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Cultivated areas in central Italy are very common habitats for the lacertid lizard Podarcis siculus campestris. Land uses, however, can show deeply different characteristics in their structure thus probably bringing important consequences for their inhabitants. In this study we analysed the rate of external parasites (ticks) and the occurrence of regenerated tail (as indicator of predation pressure) in populations of Podarcis siculus campestris living in two different land uses, highly characterizing the Tuscan agricultural landscape (central Italy): vineyards and olive tree plantations. For each land use, in particular, we surveyed two intensively cultivated areas (use of chemicals and machineries) and one “traditionally” managed area (no/little amounts of chemical compounds, maintenance of grass soil cover). A total of 120 lizards were collected from early Spring to Summer. All lizards were measured (SVL and head measures), the amount of ticks was counted and the presence of broken/regenerated or entire tail was recorded; individuals were then released in the same place of their capture. The comparison of SVL among different habitat categories (distinguishing land uses and different managements) did not revealed striking differences: however, both males and females living in the traditionally managed olive tree plantation resulted to be smaller (even if significant differences were found only in some comparisons). As for external parasite rate we found very clear results both in relation to the land use and to the sex of individuals. Lizards with the highest number of ticks were found in the olive tree plantations (both intensively and traditionally managed) while the individuals from vineyards were almost not parasitized by ticks. Males in particular seemed to suffer a higher external parasite pressure. These results seem to agree with other studies in which a preference of ticks for olive trees was highlighted and put in relation with both physical characteristics of the trees (e.g. crumbled bark) and their being visited by hosts (lizards). Regarding the sex ratio of parasitized individuals, other studies demonstrated that male lizards, are more exposed to parasites due to their higher activity rate. The regenerated tail occurrence pattern was much more homogeneous: a very weak difference was found just between sexes (more males than females showed broken/regenerated tail) while land use and management did not seem to influence the predation pressure, at least as revealed by the considered indicator.

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The author describes a herpetological vacation on Corsica. It is an island with lots ofdifferent habitats, where reptiles and amphibians are abundant. Several (sub)species are endemic to Corsica or to both Corsica and Sardinia, for instance Archaeolacerta bedriagae, Podarcis tiliguerta, Algyroides fitzingeri, Discoglossus montalemii, D. sardus, Hyla sarda, Euproctus montanus, Salamandra salamandra corsica and Natrix natrix corsa. Several others are probably introduced by men, for instance Podarcis sicula cam- pestris (in Ajaccio, Porro-Vecchio and Basria), P. s. cettii (in Bonifacio), Tarentola mauritanica, Rana esculenta, Bufo viridis and Testudo hermanni. Corsica and Sardinia are part of the natural distribution o f Phyllodactylus europaeus, Hemidactylus turcicus, Coluber viridif/avus, Emys orbicularis, Caretta caretta and Dermochelys coriacea, that inhabit other parts of Europe as well. Several species of lizards are in a more or less fierce competition with each other. A. bedriagae for instance is pushed to high altitude, bare rock and granite boulders in little streams, by P. tiliguerta. P. sicula campestris is successful in flat terrain, leaving only walls ofstacked stones toP. tiliguerta. P. s. cettii doesn`t even leave this habitat toP. tiliguerta. As for now P. sicula is restricted mainly to coastal areas, lea- ving the better part of Corsica to P. tiliguerta. D. sardus and D. montalentii are only recently recog- nised as different species. D. montalentii is endemic to Corsica, whereas D. sardus is known too from Sardinia. D. montalentii is living in high altitudes, especially in clear mountain-streams, D. sardus in lower altitudes and has a less specialised preference for its habitat. Corsica is a very interesting island from a herpetolo- gical point ofview.

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Almost all species of Amphibians and Reptiles of Central Italy occur in the Tolfa mountains (Civitavecchia, Latium). This is one of the most interesting areas in the whole of Italy as far as the herpetofauna is concerned. It lies not far from Rome and its conservation state is satisfactory; both these facts have favoured and enabled some experimental studies of eco-ethology on such mountains since 1964. The A. describes the species and subspecies of Amphibians and Reptiles recorded in this area, adding some information on their chorology, biology, taxonomy, history and zoogeograph.

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The herpetologic fauna of the Torricchio Mountain Nature Reserve includes the following species: Salamandra s. gigliolii, Salamandrina terdigitata, Triturus vulgaris meridionalis, Hydromantes i. italicus, Bufo bufo, Bufo v. viridis, Bombina variegata pachypus, Hyla a. arborea, Rana graeca, Rana cfr. esculenta, Podarcis muralis, Podarcis sicula campestris, Lacerta v. viridis, Chalcides c. chalcides, Anguis f. fragilis, Coluber viridiflavus, Coronella austriaca, Elaphe l. longissima, Elaphe q. quatuorlineata, Natrix natrix cfr. lanzai and Vipera aspis francisciredi. This Reserve (about 300 ha.) is owned by the University of Camerino and it lies on the county of Macerata, in Marche Region. It extends from 750 m to 1440 m asl, on the Umbria-Marche Apennines, west of the Sibillini mountains. The climax zone of Quercus pubescens characterises the vegetation of the hill level, whereas the climax zone of Fagus silvatica characterises that of the mountain level. The grass vegetation belongs to the phytosociologic Cynosurion and Xenobromion alliance; shrubs and trees belong to Orno-Ostryon and Eu-Fagion. The following herpetologic species are the most representative of the area: Salamandrina terdigitata, Hydromantes italicus and Elaphe quatuorlineata.

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Italian wall lizards (Podarcis sicula campestris) were introduced to Long Island, New York, in 1967 and have subsequently spread through many urban and suburban communities. Their ability to spread further may be limited by their ability to tol- erate the relatively cold winters of New York. We found that these lizards were able to sur vive cold temperatures by supercooling if they were kept dr y. However, if freezing was initiated as would be expected under shallow hibernation conditions, these lizards froze and died rapidly. We speculate that Podarcis sicula must hibernate below soil freezing depth, estimated at greater than 24 cm deep, to sur vive.

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Lizard behaviour can be influenced by ultimate forces such as adaptation and phylogeny, and proximate forces such as temperature and rainfall, Italian wall lizards (Podarcis sicula campestris) were successfully introduced into two locations in the USA, both at latitudes similar to their probable sources in Italy. Behavioral differences between native and introduced populations are likely due to proximate forces. From 1999-2000, we documented the seasonal and diel behaviour of wall lizards in New York. We observed a bimodal activity pattern during the summer and a unimodal activity pattern in spring and fall, which has been reported for native populations in Italy. Unlike Italian populations, New York lizards were completely inactive during winter months, which is probably due to the much lower minimum winter temperatures in New York.

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The genetic structure and heterogeneity of Podarcis sicula (Reptilia, Lacertidae) was studied in insular (Pontine Archipelago) and mainland (central and southern Italy) populations by means of allozyme electrophoresis at 20 presumptive gene loci. Genetic variability in the species is low and genetic subdivision is high. The highest values of percent polymorphism and heterozygosity were found in the samples from the southernmost part of Italy (Calabria). The insular samples from the Pontine Archipelago were characterized by loss of alleles and erosion of genetic variability. Population heterogeneity analysis carried out by the estimation of Wright`s F-statistics demonstrated substantial genetic differentiation among populations. F-statistics and genetic distance data show that genetic variation is distributed into three population groups. The first group includes the genetically very similar populations from central Italy and the Pontine Archipelago, the second includes the populations from Campania (southern Italy), the third comprises the populations from the southernmost part of the Italian Peninsula (Calabria). Based on the results of the allozyme data, the systematic status of the subspecies of P. sicula occurring in the studied areas is discussed.

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Between 1972 and 2002 the author visited regularly the Presidential Estate of Castelporziano, ascertaining the presence of 23 autochthonous (eight amphibians, two turtles, six lizards and seven snakes) and of one allochthonous (Testudo graeca) amphibian and reptile species. Their ecology and behaviour is the subject of the present contribution. Feeding. Studies on feeding have shown the trophic roles played by the different snake species to be complementary. In Castelporziano several snake species often assemble in one same site suitable for laying eggs, shedding skin, hibernating and estivating; this facilitates the egg/young eating habits of Hierophis viridifl avus, mostly at the expenses of Elaphe quatuorlineata. With the exception of Zamenis longissimus all the main snake species of the estate have been found in these sites, included Vipera aspis. Current examples of these sites are Ponte delle Rogare on the Coastal Road and the Depuratore (water purifi cation plant). Reproduction. The presence of very young Hierophis viridifl avus, Coronella austriaca and Vipera aspis in July is reported, in the fi rst case owing to precocious ovulations induced by endocrine modifi cations, released, in their turn, by autumnal matings. One such mating has been observed by the author in the locality Riserva Chiesola. Elaphe quatuorlineata showed a monogamic tendency; it seems that particular hormone conditions induce the females of these species to keep in proximity of their eggs up to september-october when they shed their skin, wich is generally sinchronous with the hatchings. This would seem to guarantee a protection against oophagic predators. Predators. A severe selective pressure on turtle eggs (both aquatic and terrestrial) by a specifi c predator (probably Martes martes) is reported. A bird of prey (probably Buteo buteo) seems to be responsible of the serious damages noticed on the head of a number of Elaphe quatuorlineata specimens. Morphology. The presence of black or very dark specimens of Zamenis longissimus is reported; lack of the superfi cial yellow pigment allows the appearance of the underlying melanophores. Such phenotypes have been found mostly in the wet area south east of Torpaterno. Their offspring are chromatically similar to the parents. The longest snake found was an Elaphe quatuorlineata _ exceeding 206 cm. Population status. Since the middle of the 80’s various types of human induced habitat changes in the estate heavily reduced the amphibian and the reptile populations. Coronella girondica and Natrix tessellata are probably extinct, Testudo hermanni, Chalcides chalcides, Coronella austriaca and Zamenis longissimus show clear signs of decline.

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The karyotypes of 4 european species of Lacertidae were determined in hepatic tissue cultures. The chromosomal formula typical of the Lacertidae (2n = 36M + 2 m) was found in L. muralis, L. sicula campestris and L. viridis; no morphologically differentiated sex chromosomes were identified in these 3 species. A population of L. vivipara caught in the Massif Central (France) shows the following diploid number: 2 n ~ ? = 3 2 A + Z a Z~ W, 2 n d = 3 2 A + Z ~ Z~ Z2Z2. The existence of the submetacentric W in the female karyotype can be explained by centric fusion between two non homologous telocentric chromosomes. It is possible that only some populations show this rearrangement. The finding of two types of heterogamety, XY and ZW, in the same Order contributes to our knowledge of the evolution of sex chromosomes among Vertebrates.

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After a brief introduction to the main geologica!, climatologica! and botanical features of the area- a territory of Latium region, Central Italy- the work synthetized data about its vertebrate fauna with exclusive regard to Amphibians, Reptiles an d Mammals. In this list 46 species and subspecies are considered ofwhich 8 are Amphibians, 11 Reptiles and 27 Mammals. Ecologica! analysis has focused the attenction on the absence or scarcity of many thermophilous species, a fact which finds explanation, according to the Authors, in the `continental` position ofthe district. Among the species, many are rare or localized and some considerations are carried out in order to their management and protection.

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Während eines Aufenthaltes in einem ehemaligen Gutshof aus dem 18. Jahrhundert, ca. 20 km nordwestlich von Siena, Ende August 2019 konnte ich die dort siedelnden Podarcis muralis nigriventris und P. siculus campestris beobachten. Podarcis muralis war ubiquitär mit einer Präferenz der Höhe (Mauern aller Art, Eichenstämme, Hecken) zu beobachten, während sich P. siculus bodennah (Rasenflächen, Parkplätze, Böschungen) auf Stein- und Holzstrukturen aufhielt und allenfalls kniehohe Mauern besetzte. Bevorzugt setzte P. siculus Kot auf isolierten Steinstrukturen ab. In Analogie zu den experimentellen Untersuchungen an P. melliselensis von BAECKENS et al. (2019) könnte dieses Verhalten der innerartlichen Kommunikation dienen.

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Some details on the diet and commensal behaviour of Sicilian Lizards in Tuscany, Italy.

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Photic responses were recorded, by means of metal electrodes, from the parietal organ of the lizard, Lacerta sicula campestris, after removal of the interparietal scale. Graded (slow) responses and changes of impulse activity of one or several nerve cells were seen in response to illumination. The action of light was either excitatory or inhibitory, inhibition being associated with a positive graded potential at the recording electrode. The graded response changed polarity with the wavelength of the test stimulus in the blue-green region of the spectrum (blue-green biphasic response exhibiting luminosity maxima at 450 and 520 nm). Further, there is a triphasic chromativity type of response which, additionally to the inhibitory effect of blue light, manifests itself by the excitatory effect of violet and red light upon subsequent illumination to blue light. Similar to the a- and b-waves of the frog`s electroretinogram the positive graded response of the parietal eye decreases during dark adaptation while the negative response increases. Positive and negative components of the graded response differ in the rate of change during dark adaptation and in the luminanceduration relationship. The absolute threshold of the parietal organ amounts to 0,5 asb (excitatory threshold of the discharge response for dark adapted state). Allowing for the light absorption by the overlaying tissue the absolute threshold of the parietal organ in situ is 2,5 asb.

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Mucous cells and enteroendocrine cells of the pyloric region of the ruin lizard (Podarcis sicula campestris De Betta) have been examined by lectin histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. Binding to five plant lectins (Canavalia ensijormis. Con A; Triticum vulgare. wheat germ, WGL; Lotus tetragonolobus, winged pea, WPL; Glycine max, soybean, SBL; Arachis hypogaea. peanut, PNL) was performed to characterize glycoconjugates in the secretory products of superficial and glandular mucous cells. Lectin histochemistry revealed the presence of N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, D-galactose and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine in the pyloric superficial cells. Mucous glandular cells mainly contained neutral glycoproteins with terminal residues of galactose, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine. These cells did not react with Con A after periodate oxidation-sodium borohydride reduction (Paradoxical Con A staining). In the pyloric glands three different types of endocrine cells were identified immunohistochemically: gastrin-, serotonin- and somatostatin-immunoreactive cells; VIP-. bombesin- or cholecystokinin-immunoreactive cells have not been found in the pyloric mucosa.

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Discovery of a subadult Podarcis siculus compestris in a garden center in the North of Harrrburg, Germany.

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Mit dem Ende der Refraktärperiode im November ist das Fortpflanzungssystem der männlichen Ruineneidechse (Lacerta sicula campestrisBetta) nicht sofort wieder voll reaktionsbereit für 12- und 14stündige Photoperioden bei hohen Temperaturen. Die Reaktionsbereitschaft nimmt vielmehr langsam im Laufe des Winters zu und erreicht im März spontan eine Schwelle, von der an die Spermiohistogenese auch unter ungünstigsten Bedingungen (Dauerdunkel, 5–6° C) anläuft. 2. Die mangelnde endogene Reaktionsbereitschaft des Fortpflanzungssystems kann von November an nach Beendigung der Regenerationsphase durch einen 16stündigen Langtag ausgeglichen werden. 3. Mit der Zunahme der endogenen Reaktionsbereitschaft verschiebt sich die optimale Wirksamkeit der Photoperioden in Verein mit hohen Temperaturen mehr und mehr nach den kürzeren Lichtzeiten und liegt schließlich im Juni bei 8 und 10 Std. 4. Überschreitet die Photoperiode bei einer bestimmten endogenen Reaktionsbereitschaft des Hypophysen-Gonaden-Systems den optimalen Wert um 2–4 Std, so schlägt die fördernde Wirkung der Tageslänge in eine hemmende um, und die Regressionsphase setzt ein. 5. Im Anschluß an die Regenerationsphase kann bei einer vorzeitigen Aktivierung im Winter das Fortpflanzungssystem einerseits durch hohe Temperaturen (28–30° C) und andererseits durch die Photoperiode gesteuert werden. Dabei sind die jeweiligen Anteile von Temperaturen und Photoperioden an der Gonadenstimulation in Lichtzeiten von 6–20 Std nicht ohne weiteres voneinander zu trennen, da die Strahlungswärme der Lampen nur schwer zu erfassen ist. 6. Bietet man den Tieren jedoch Dauerlicht oder eine extrem kurze Photoperiode von nur 4 Std bei 28–30° C, so wird jetzt das Fortpflanzungssystem nur noch durch die Temperatur beeinflußt. In beiden Fällen erreicht die spermiohistogenetische Aktivität dieselbe Intensität, wie in den zu dieser Zeit besonders wirksamen 12- und 14-stündigen Photoperioden. In den dazwischenliegenden Lichtzeiten ist die Hodenaktivität entweder völlig gehemmt oder doch wesentlich schwächer. 7. Hält man andererseits Ruineneidechsen im Dezember in stufenweise verlängerten Photoperioden (9,30<14 h) bei sehr niedrigen Temperaturen (5,5–9,5° C), so setzt trotzdem in 4 Wochen die Spermiohistogenese ein. Da die Vorzugstemperatur bei dieser Eidechsenart bei etwa 40° C liegt, kann die Umgebungstemperatur in diesen Kaltversuchen keine oder doch nur eine sehr untergeordnete Rolle gespielt haben. Die Auslösung der spermiohistogenetischen Aktivität muß damit unter solchen Bedingungen in erster Linie auf den Einfluß der Photoperiode zurückgeführt werden. 8. Eine Stimulierung des Nebenhodens war in diesen Kaltversuchen nicht zu beobachten. Da die Spermiohistogenese jedoch angelaufen war, spricht das Ausbleiben einer Reaktion im Nebenhoden für eine primäre Bildung der Androgene in den Leydigschen Zwischenzellen. Es kann dabei nicht entschieden werden, ob das Ausbleiben der sekretorischen Aktivität im Nebenhoden auf eine fehlende Abgabe des ICSH oder auf eine zu schwache Hormonproduktion im Interstitium zurückzuführen ist.

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Der Spermatogenesezyklus der Ruineneidechse (Lacerta sicula campestrisBetta) weist im natürlichen Tag-Nacht-Wechsel (Standort Göttingen) bei Zimmertemperatur eine Jahresperiodik mit nur einer Phase spermiohisto-genetischer Aktivität (Mitte März bis Ende Juni) auf. 2. Das Fortpflanzungssystem läßt sich schon wieder im Winter (ab Mitte Dezember) durch lange Photoperioden und hohe Temperaturen aktivieren. 3. Überführt man im August oder September — also während der Regenerations-phase — Ruineneidechsen in einen 14: 10stündigen Langtag bei hoher Temperatur, so wirkt diese Reizkombination stark hemmend auf das Fortpflanzungssystem. Die Tiere sind demnach in der Regenerationsphase refraktär gegen lange Lichtzeiten bei hohen Temperaturen wie viele Vögel der gemäßigten Zonen und einige Fsche. 4. Die Refraktärperiode geht Ende November zu Ende. 5. Im Gegensatz zu Vögeln der gemäßigten Zonen haben bei dieser Eidechsenart weder abnehmende Tageslänge, noch Kurztag bei hohen Temperaturen einen Einfluß auf das Ende der Refraktärperiode. Hält man die Tiere aber im Sommer 4 Wochen lang in Dauerdunkel und bei niedriger Temperatur (5–6°C), so ist die Regenerationsphase sofort zu Ende. 6. Spielt man in der Refraktärperiode Langtag gegen niedrige Temperaturen aus, so zeigt sich, daß bei der Ruineneidechse die niedrige Temperatur der primäre reaktivierende Faktor ist. Kurztag und Dauerdunkel sind nur von sekundärer Bedeutung.

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Überführt man männliche Ruineneidechsen (Lacerta sicula campestris Betta) am 15. 10. nach 2wöchigem Aufenthalt in den Winterquartieren (8–11° C, Dauerdunkel = DD) in einen zunächst wachsenden, dann konstanten Licht-Dunkel-Wechsel (LD) bei 28–30° C, so reicht dies nicht aus, eine verfrühte progressive Phase auszulösen; die Refraktärperiode ist noch nicht zu Ende. 2. Die Hemmung des Fortpflanzungssystems bleibt bei diesen Tieren bis zum Februar bestehen. Von März an bis zum Juni wird sie dann jedoch durch endogene Faktoren überspielt, und die Spermiohistogenese setzt ein, und zwar ohne Verzögerung im Vergleich zu den Kontrollen aus dem natürlichen LD bei Zimmertemperatur. 3. Dieselben Befunde erhält man, wenn die Eidechsen bereits am 15. 9. in einen LD 14∶10 bei 28–30° C gebracht werden. 4. Eine 4wöchige Verzögerung im Einsetzen der Spermiohistogenese trat erst auf, wenn die Tiere bereits Mitte August in einen LD 14∶10 bei 28–30° C gebracht wurden. 5. Künstliches Verlängern der Winterruhe (DD, 5–6° C) vermag den Beginn der spermiohistogenetischen Aktivität im Frühjahr nicht zu unterbinden und auch nicht zu verzögern im Vergleich zu den Kontrolltieren. 6. Das Ausklingen der progressiven Phase scheint ebenfalls spontan zu erfolgen. Die Gonadenregression ist nach 6wöchigem Aufenthalt in langen Lichtzeiten von 14–18 Std bei 28–30° C im Juni bereits vollendet, im Juli dann aber auch in den kurzen nur 8- und 10stündigen Photoperioden. Bis jetzt kann allerdings ein Einfluß der hohen Haltungstemperaturen auf diese Vorgänge noch nicht endgültig ausgeschlossen werden. 7. Die Hodenregression ist auch spontan im Juli bei den Ruineneidechsen eingetreten, die seit dem 15. 10. des vorangegangenen Jahres in langer Photoperiode und bei hoher Temperatur gelebt hatten. 8. In allen Versuchen, die progressive Phase zu verzögern, verliefen die Vorgänge im Keimepithel relativ unbehindert. Zum Teil recht beachtliche Störungen waren dagegen bei der Veränderung der Hodengewichte und vor allem bei den Vorgängen im Nebenhoden zu beobachten. Ob das fast völlige Ausbleiben der Nebenhodenaktivität auf eine mangelnde Hormonproduktion in den Gonaden selbst zurückzuführen ist, oder ob zwei unterschiedlich stark an eine Jahresuhr gekoppelte Vorgänge im Fortpflanzungssystem vorliegen, muß noch offen bleiben.

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Männliche Ruineneidechsen wurden zwischen dem 1. und 15. 10. 1965 und 1968 in Photoperioden von 14, 16 und 18 Std bei 28–30 ° C überführt. Diese Reizkombinationen wirkten auf das Fortpflanzungssystem stark hemmend. Die Tiere befanden sich demnach bei Versuchsbeginn noch in der Refraktärperiode. 2. Im darauffolgenden Frühjahr setzte dann jedoch zumindest bei einem Teil der Tiere aus den 3 Versuchsserien die Spermiohistogenese ein. 3. Die Stärke der exogenen Hemmung war dabei abhängig von der Tageslänge: je länger die Photoperiode, desto stärker die Hemmung. 4. Eine Verzögerung im Beginn der Spermiohistogenese um etwa 2 Monate, verglichen mit den Vorgängen unter natürlichen Bedingungen, war jedoch nur im LD 18∶6 bei 28–30 ° C zu beobachten. 5. Eine ähnliche Zunahme in der Hemmung der Regenerationsvorgänge im Fortpflanzungssystem vom Ende, über Mitte, nach etwa Beginn der Refraktärperiode zeigte sich auch im LD 14∶10 bei hohen Temperaturen. 6. Das Fortpflanzungssystem wird während der Regeneration und der progressiven Phase offensichtlich über 2 Außenfaktoren gesteuert. Im Photoperiodebereich von ca. 6 bis etwa 18 Std bei 28–30 ° C werden die Vorgänge primär von der Lichtzeit beeinflußt. In den anderen Photoperiodebereichen scheint dagegen die hohe Temperatur wichtiger zu sein. 7. Das Ende der progressiven Phase im Juli–August steht nach neueren Befunden primär unter der Kontrolle hoher Umgebungstemperaturen.

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Behandelt man männliche Ruineneidechsen während der Refraktärperiode mit ICSH, Testosteron, FSH und LTH, so zeigt sich im Ductus epididymidis nur unter dem Einfluß des FSH und des LTH eine positive Reaktion. Mit dem Taubenkropftest ließ sich zu verschiedenen Zeiten (August 1970 bis Januar 1971) Prolactin in der Hypophyse männlicher Ruineneidechsen nachweisen.

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A case-report of cannibalistic behaviour in Italian wall lizard Podarcis siculus campestris De Betta, 1857 is described here along with the first photographic record.

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Near Cannobio, at the Lake Maggiore, Italy, a male Podarcis siculus campestris was found that showed a completely patternless bronze dorsal color. The ventral side was entirely orange. No further specimens of this species were found.

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In 1981 and 1982 the population dynamics and ecology of Podarcis sicula campestris was studied in Omis/Dalmatia, Rovin/Istria and on the island Figarola near Rovinj. Spring densities were high in all three populations. A higher percentage of females reach sexual maturity in their first year of life at Omis than on Figarola. Clutch-size is correlated with snout-vent-length at Omis. Mortality on Figarola is about half that of Rovinj or Omis; on Figarola juvenile mortality decreases with age. Prehatching mortalities are high. Distribution and amount of semi-shaded and sunny places, food availability and climate are important for the regulation of density.

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Italian wall lizards Podarcis siculus campestris were accidentally introduced to a site in Buckinghamshire, UK with a consignment of stone originating in Italy. Many populations of this lizard and closely related species have been established outside their native range, sometimes from a small number of founders. Mindful of the potential for these lizards to establish in the UK, we decided on a “rapid response” intervention. We captured four lizards, including a gravid female, and removed them to a secure captive collection. The capture operation comprised two visits, with specialist advice assisting estate management and nature conservation staff. Vegetation around the stone was cut back to dissuade dispersal in an effort to contain any remaining lizards. The imported stone and surrounding area were placed under surveillance, and no further lizards were found over the course of two years. Good communications between landowners, a government agency and reptile specialists expedited this intervention. We conclude that this simple, low-effort example of rapid response has eliminated the risk of a non-native invasive species establishing.

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Several recent papers have reviewed the life and work of French herpetologist Louis Amédée Lantz. They have detailed the composition of his collections deposited in several museums. However, since then, several other important specimens from his collections deposited at the Natural History Museum (NHM, UK) have come to light and we here present all of them in detail. We discovered paralectotypes of Lacerta saxicola obscura Lantz & Cyrén (BMNH 1918.11.21.5–7), syntypes of Lacerta boemica Sukhov (BMNH 1960.1.4.26–30, BMNH 1965.337–342) and Lacerta viridis media Lantz & Cyrén (BMNH 1960.1.4.25, 1966.512). We also identified numerous specimens from the French Mediterranean islands in Lantz’s collection deposited at the NHM, some of which represent the first reported specimens of their species from certain islands. We here provide data on all these specimens. We also place the Mediterranean island specimens from the Lantz collection in their historical context and emphasize the historical and taxonomic value of these collections.

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Information on the first discovery of the Italian wall lizard, Podarcis siculus campestris (De Betta 1857), in 2019 is provided for Turkan settlement, Baku City, Azerbaijan. The lizards are assumed to have unintention- ally been delivered to the Caucasus from Tuscany Province, Italy in 2016 or 2017 with garden plant seedlings. In the future the identified P. siculus micropopulation may become a source for the colonization of the Ab- sheron Peninsula by this non-indigenous reptile species. We do not expect a negative impact of P. siculus on the aboriginal saurofauna.

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Information on the first discovery of the Italian wall lizard, Podarcis siculus campestris (De Betta 1857), in2019 is provided for Turkan settlement, Baku City, Azerbaijan. The lizards are assumed to have unintention-ally been delivered to the Caucasus from Tuscany Province, Italy in 2016 or 2017 with garden plant seedlings. In the future the identified P. s i c u l u s micropopulation may become a source for the colonization of the Ab-sheron Peninsula by this non-indigenous reptile species. We do not expect a negative impact of P. siculus onthe aboriginal saurofauna.

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Die Insel Montecristo wird nur von einer einzigen Mauereidechsen-Rasse bewohnt: Lacerta sicula calabresiae TADDEI, die auf Grund der Zeichnung und geringen Anzahl von Rückenschuppen als valid zu betrachten ist. Die älteren Angaben über das Vorkommen von Lacerta sicula campestris und Lacerta tiliguerta auf Montecristo sind hinfällig. Doch erscheint es nicht als ausgeschlossen, daß letztere im vergangenen Jahrhundert auf Montecristo neben Lacerta sicula vorkam und dann dort erloschen ist.

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Eine kurze Notiz über eine allochthone Population von Podarcis siculus campestris, die auf dem Gelände des Bahnhofs Rapperswil im Schweizer Kanton St. Gallen lebt.

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The parietal eye and the pineal organ (epiphysis cerebri) of the lizards, Lacerta sicula campestris, Lacerta vivipara, Lacerta agilis, Anguis fragilis and Iguana iguana, have been studied by means of electron microscopy. The ultrastructure of the parietal eye and pineal receptor cells is compared. The long outer segments of the parietal eye appear normal and show regular stacks of discs. In the pineal organ some of the short outer segments are essentially normal, but there are many disorganized and degenerated outer segment structures. Separation of discs and transformation into tubules and vesicles, whorllike structures or membrane-bounded and vesicle-filled compartments are very abundant. In addition, some rudimentary or anlage-like (renewal ?) forms of the outer segment were observed. Attention should be given to some interspecific and ontogenetic differences. Different types of dense-core vesicles were found in (1) the epithelial and pinealocyte-like parenchymal cells and (2) the unmyelinated nerve fibers of the lacertilian pineal organs. The pineal problem is discussed in view of these findings and the electrophysiological results of Dodtet al.

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Abstract The wall lizard Podarcis sicula has been introduced in many locations outside its native range. Partial sequences from the 12S rDNA, that had proved diagnostic for the three main subspecies, were used to test specimens from marginal native and from intro duced American populations. The mitochondrial haplotype of a specimen from Apulia, traditionally ascribed to P. s. campestris, belongs to the P. s. sicula gene-pool. Specimens from a P. s. sicu la - P. s. campestris boundary area (southern Latium), with transi tional morphology but P. s. sicula-like ecology, show mitochondrial haplotypes clearly of the campestris type. The mitochondrial hap-lotypes of the American specimens (from Kansas and New York), that originated from captive stocks, were included in a P. s. campestris clade. A definitive assessment of the status of both na tive and introduced populations will require the use of nuclear markers.

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July 1973 five species of reptiles and one amphibian species were seen in a coastal area near Otranto (Puglia, Italy). Observations were made on the behaviour oft wo of them: Lacerta sicula campestris and Lacerta viridis fejervaryi.

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ventaire exhaustif des espèces indigènes et naturalisées, présentes e n France et au Benelux : 85 taxons, relevant de 72 espèces, sont cités, mais deux autre s taxons, dont le statut reste à définir, sont mentionnés au n os 31 (Rana esculenta) et a u n° 53 (Podarcis muralis) et huit autres au n` 56 (Podarcis muralis tiliguerta) de l`inven- taire. On signale les zones à prospecter par priorité et les problèmes taxonomiques à résoudre d`urgence . Les aires sont définies par rapport aux provinces ou aux départements : des cartes d`aire provisoires, en France, sont données pour 33 taxons. En ce qui concerne la liste des taxons relatifs à la France, les modifications suivante s sont à noter : 1°) taxons admis : Triturus alpestris apuanus, Acanthodactylus erythrurus cf. erythru- rus, Lacerta agilis garzoni, Podarcis hispanica hispanica, Podarcis muralis merremia , Vipera latastei latastei, Vipera seoanei ; 2.) deux intergrades de Salamandra salamandra sont retenus : 30) taxons refusés : Rana iberica, Coronella austriaca fitzingeri, Natrix tessellata tessellata ; 4.) tombent en synonymie les deux taxons suivants : Podarcis muralis occidentalis (= P. m. muralis) et P. m. calbia (= P. m. oyensis). En outre, liste des espèces introduites, liste des espèces citées par erreur et list e des taxons à rechercher . Quelques données inédites concernent le nord de l`Espagne .

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Now that Yugoslavia is rapidly becoming a European tourist centre, many herpetologists may be interested in the variety and abundance of forms which can be seen and collected there. This is a short account of the species seen during the last two weeks of March 1964 in an area so far little visited by British herpetologists. Rainfall was high during this period, in contrast apparently to the dry summer. It was understood from the local population that the visit was too early to see the larger lacertids and snakes.

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In a phylogeographical survey of the Italian wall lizard, Podarcis sicula , DNA sequence variation along an 887-bp segment of the cytochrome b gene was examined in 96 specimens from 86 localities covering the distribution range of the species. In addition, parts of the 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes from 12 selected specimens as representatives of more divergent cytochrome b haploclades were sequenced (together about 950 bp). Six phylogeographical main groups were found, three representing samples of the nominate subspecies Podarcis sicula sicula and closely related subspecies and the other three comprising Podarcis sicula campestris as well as all subspecies described from northern and eastern Adriatic islands. In southern Italy a population group with morphological characters of P. s. sicula but with the mitochondrial DNA features of P. s. campestris was detected indicating a probably recent hybridization zone. The present distribution patterns were interpreted as the consequence of natural events like retreats to glacial refuges and postglacial area expansions, but also as the results of multiple introductions by man.

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In addition to species of the North Spanish herpetofauna the allochthonous and wellestablished populations of the Ibiza wall lizard Podarcis pityusensis and the Italian wall lizard Podarcis siculus were observed at Spain`s Atlantic coast.

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The Corsican population of Lacerta sicula campestris is compared with the populations of Elba and Toscana. The restriction of variability of the Corsican population could be caused by a passive spreading. The agreement of the population of Elba and the Toscana is interpreted zoogeographically.

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Lacerta sicula kurtklari, eine none Rasse von der Insel Krk (Veglia). Typus: Ein Parchen adult (abgcbildet) in meiner Privatsammlung. Wird spater dem Natur-Museum Berlin ubcrgeben. Terra lypjca: Steinmauern am Strand von Malinska aul der Insel Krk (Veglia), Jugoslavien. Untersuchtes Material: 40 erwachsene Exemplare. Diagnose: Unterscheidet sich von der am benach- barten Festland lebenden Lacerta sicula campestris durch bedeutendcre Grdsse und Starke, die Rot- bauchigkeit der Mannchen und durch die schr deul- liche Aufhelluny von Farbung und Zeichnung. Beschreibung: Lacerta sicula kurtklari ist eine grosse, stark aufgehellto Rasse, bei der die alten Mannchen fast ausnahmslos rotbauchig sind, was bet fcstliindischen Rasscn von Lacerta sicula nur ausserst selten vorkommt. Die am benachbarten Festland lokal vorkommende Lacerta sicula campestris ist viol krafti- ger gefarbt und gezeichnet und von schwacherer Gestalt. Der Kopf von Lacerta sicula kurtklari ist sehr helltarbig, ohne jede dunkle Zeichnung — mil Aus- nahnu; einigcr hellbraunlicher Spritzer — und der sonst so kriiftigblaue AchsolNeck ist blass hiinmelblau und oft nur schwach angedeutet. Die hellen Riicken* und Seitenstreifen fehlen vollkommen odor sind nur kurz angedeutet. Die dunkle Zeichnung auf der Ruckcn- mitte beschriinkt sich nur auf das vordere Drittel und besteht aus einigen nicht zusammenhangondeu dunklen Flecken. Die seitliche Netzzeichnung ist grol>er als bei Lacerta sicula campestris jedoch sehr verb lass t. Das Griin auf dem Riicken ist sehr hell und weich und die Schwanzzeichnung nicht sehr kraftig.

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During our visit to the island Porer (W. Istria, Croatia), we noticed that the endemic subspecies Podarcis sicula hadzii that lived only on this small island, is extinct. Possible causes are as follow s: changes of the genetic variability of the population and microclimatic changes on the island.

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the present review of the herpetofauna of the small islands of the Cres–lošinj Archipelago (Croatia) is based on literature data and observations made by the authors in 2011 to 2014. the 16 islets and islands ranging in size between 0.05 km2 (Zabodaski) and 16.92 km2 (unije) are all inhabited by at least one species of wall lizard of the genus Podarcis. the islands Koludarc, unije and veli Osir harbor Podarcis melisellensis fiumana (WeRneR, 1891), while Kormat, male Srakane, mali Plavnik, Oruda, Palacol, unije, vele Srakane, visoki and Zabodaski hold populations of Podarcis siculus campestris (RAFineSque-SChmAltZ, 1810). Both taxa are present on Plavnik, Susak and Zeča. Caretta caretta (linnAeuS, 1758), is reported for the first time from the islands of Oruda and unije, and Hierophis viridiflavus carbonarius (BOnAPARte, 1833) from Susak and unije.

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Podarcis siculus (Rafinesque-Schmaltz, 1810) or Italian wall lizard is one of the most invasive reptile-species. Recently, this lacertid lizard has been introduced to Mediterranean areas of southern Europe, South-West Asia (Turkey) and North America (USA). An abundant population of P. siculus was discovered on one of the sites of the Natural Ornithological Park in the Imeretinskaya Lowland, on an area of over 0.22 km2 (Sochi, Russia). The data were collected in the May of 2020. in a strip survey method in the Imeretinskaya Lowland. To identify the colonization area of the invader, we examined all 8 sections of the Natural Ornithological Park in the Imeretinskaya Lowland and adjacent urbanized areas. More than 150 animals were observed. These Italian wall lizards, undoubtedly, belong to the northern-central Italian morphotype (presumably P. s. campestris). This is the first record of this species in the former USSR area and, also, this is the species’ north-easternmost locality. The population inhabits secondary natural biotopes and urban area. Among them are the banks of artificial water bodies, areas with cultivated trees and shrubs, as well as parks, and house lawns in the urban area. Population density was estimated from eight to 40 specimens per 100 m of the transect. A moderate proportion of young specimens (more than a 40%) would indicate a healthy and continued growth of the emerging population. To determine the possible period of the species introduction, space images of the Imeretinskaya Lowland were analyzed beginning from the transformation of its landscape for the Winter Olympic Games of Sochi 2014 until the May of 2020. The introduction of the species presumably occurred with the delivery of large-sized ornamental trees and shrubs from Italy in 2012–2013. Podarcis siculus should be included in the list of herpetofauna of Russia and particularly of the Caucasus. This is an alien species with a proven ability to become an invasive species, what will lead to a greater undesirable and unavoidable contact with native small lizards of the genus Darevskia Arribas, 1997. On the other hand, as it is often observed with new invaders, a sudden rise in population abundance could be followed by a sharp decline. A continuous monitoring of the area in question and of the number of local Italian wall lizards is necessary to confirm or refute the assumed scenarios of further invasion of P. siculus on the Black Sea Coast of the Caucasus. Further action plans for this population should be developed depending on supposed future trends.

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For the first time, a record of Italian Wall Lizard Podarcis siculus (Rafinesque-Schmaltz, 1810) in Krasnodar is noted. The origin of this lizard, presumably, is associated with the importation of large-sized planting material. In addition, for the first time, reproduction of Red-eared Slider, Trachemys scripta elegans (Wied-Neuwied, 1839), in the nature was revealed near Sochi; the data from the moment of oviposition to the emergence of newborns from nesting chambers were collected. The size and color characteristics of T. scripta found in Sochi are described. Active resettlement allowed T. scripta to occupy the entire Imeretinskaya Lowland and the valley of the lower reaches of the Psou River. Monitoring of Podarcis siculus in the environs of Sochi indicates an increase in the range by almost eight times, with a modern habitat area of 200.6 ha. The high population density and a large number of young individuals clearly show the transition of the species from alien to invasive status. A new find in November 2021 of Mediterranean House Gecko, Hemidactylus turcicus (Linnaeus, 1758) indicates the strengthening of this exotic animal in the resort and a slight expansion of the range, about 1 km east of the initial record in Sochi. All of the listed species are, to varying degrees, synanthropic, what also contributes to their active distribution in the region.

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In the tortoise Testudo graeca, the lizards Lacerta dugesi and Lacerta pityusensis, and the snake Natrix natrix, the innervation of the testicular interstitial tissue was studied by light and electron microscopy, the acetylcholinesterase (ache) technique, the Falck-Hillarp method for the detection of catecholamines, and the application of 6-hydroxydopamine. The intertubular spaces of the reptilian testes studied contain adrenergic nerve fibers the amount and distribution of which varies considerably both in various species and in various stages of the reproduction cycle. Nerve fibers do not enter the seminiferous epithelium. Fluorescence microscopy of the lizard testis reveals catecholaminergic varicosities which are mainly arranged around blood vessels, but do not show obvious connexions to Leydig cells. Ache-positive fibers are equally distributed in lizard testes surrounding each seminiferous tubule. In Natrix natrix ache-positive fibers are irregularly spread among groups of tubules, without showing a definite relation to Leydig cells either. By electron microscopy bundles of unmyelinated axons and axon terminals can be more easily detected in the testes of immature animals than in adult. Terminals of nerve fibers containing small (400–500 Å in diameter) and large (800–1400 Å) dense-cored vesicles and sometimes small clear vesicles establish contacts with Leydig cells. Three types of contact are described. 1. “Contacts” par distance at a distance of about 2000 Å and basal lamina interposed; 2. membranous contacts having a 200 Å gap only between axolemma and Leydig cell plasmalemma; 3. invaginations of terminals into Leydig cell perikarya. The latter may exhibit surface specialisations, which strongly resemble postsynaptic membrane thickenings. Experiments using 6-hydroxydopamine underline the adrenergic character of testicular nerve fibers, which can be regarded as another example of non-cholinergic, ache-positive neurons. In the testis of the immature tortoise profiles of axons occur which probably represent purinergic, ache-positive neurons.

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Morphometric characters (snout-vent length, tail length, head length, head width, and number of ventrals and gulars) were analysed in 58 male and 44 female Italian Wall Lizards, Podarcis sicula campestris, from the Adriatic coast of Slovenia. The Italian Wall Lizard is significantly dimorphic in most characters analysed. Males were significantly larger than females. No differences between sexes were found in the number of gulars, whereas the number of transversal rows of ventrals was significantly higher in females (27-30) than in males (24-27).

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Thirteen reptilian and two amphibian species were observed at Lake Vrana and the adjacent Adriatic coastal area (Dalmacia, Croatia). Lacerta oxycephala was found in Drage, about 30 km north of the known range of the spe- cies.

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The feces of two European lizards have been analysed chemically. It could be shown that insect prey caught by the lizards in the wild resulted in a far higher amount of nitrogen in these feces than does mealworms as food.

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A short note on an allochthonous population of the Italian Wall lizard Podarcis siculus campestris in Southwest Germany (Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg). The lizards live in the immediate vicinity of a railway track. The populations size is estimated at more than 100 to 200 individuals.

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Am 23. September 2008 konnten wir eine kleine Population von Podarcis siculus campestris auf dem Gelände des “Centre d’Interpretació de Cabrera“ in Colonia de Sant Jordi (S-Mallorca, Balearen, Spanien) beobachten. Die Population geht wahrscheinlich auf Tiere zurück, die versehentlich zusammen mit Pflanzen im August 2007 hierher kamen. Insgesamt konntrn wir sechs adulte Tiere (zwei Männchen, vier Weibchen) sowie drei frisch geschlüpfte Jungtiere ausmachen.

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We here report the unexpected presence of the Italian wall lizard (Podarcis siculus campestris) on Gorgona Island, in the Parco Nazionale Arcipelago Toscano (Tuscan Archipelago, Tyrrhenian Sea, Tuscany, Central Italy). Field observations were carried out in 2020 confirming its presence on the island, where it had never been reported before. We recorded 37 GPS points of the species in three major areas of Gorgona (with 50 lizard records) and about 180 visual counts regarding all age classes (newborns, juveniles and adults). The species was found in the urban area (site of state prison) and in two grassy and bushed areas, around and along olive tree plantations. Seven individuals were captured and their tails were used to assess the sequence variation of the mitochondrial CYB gene. Biometrical parameters were also evaluated for six of these individuals. We detected three distinct CYB haplotypes that were compared to Podarcis siculus CYB sequences available in public databases. They resulted identical or phylogenetically closest to those found in mainland Tuscany. One haplotype, found in three specimens, was identical to one previously detected at Orti Bottagone (WWF Oasis in Piombino), while the other two haplotypes were most similar to haplotypes reported in the Giannella peninsula and Pisa, respectively.

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Trophic niche of the Italian wall lizard was studied at three different sites in Tuscany (central northern Italy), two along the Mediterranean sea, one inland. Fecal pellet analysis was carried out on 71 pellets (37 of male and 34 of female adult lizards), accounting on the whole for 184 prey items. Coleoptera, Hymenoptera (ants), Araneae and Gastropoda were the most represented taxa (numerical abundance of ca 22, 7, 7, 6% respectively). We found Brillouin diversity index similar in females and in males, with a marked overlap between sexes, but differences in niche overlapping among localities. Diet spectrum was quite different with that found in other central Italy localities, in the Tuscan Archipelago, or in areas where P. siculus has recently introduced. Our study confirms the opportunistic pattern and adaptability of this lizard species, and increases the range of sampled localities within the species’ range.