July 5, 2009
Italian Wall Lizard
Accidentally let loose on Long Island around 1967, this adaptable reptile is thriving in suburbia. (Newsday Photo / Bill Davis / September 14, 2002)
Podarcis sicula campestris
Description: Six to 8¼ inches long. Variable in color, but usually the back is green with a black and brown spotted line down the center from neck to base of tail. This lizard has a white lateral stripe down each side from neck to base of tail. Juveniles have more distinct lines and lack green stripes early on.
Habitat: These lizards thrive in urbanized areas living in and around human debris, rocks and logs. They prefer areas with sunlight, especially fields bordered with low vegetation. Primarily found on the ground but they do climb walls, perhaps to sun on them.
Unusual trait: This lizard was introduced to Long Island from Europe in the 1960s. It is abundant in many areas of western Long Island.
Mating: The Italian wall lizard mates in spring and early summer. The young 1 ½ to 3 inches -- lack the green stripes and are much duller in color.
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