Erhard's wall lizard – Variability & habitats

The Erhard's wall lizard (Podarcis erhardii; Bedriaga 1882) is one of the most widespread lacertid species in Greece, with a range covering most of the mainland and several Aegean islands and islets, including tiny rocky outcrops with almost zero vegetation. Due to the complex paleogeographic history of the Aegean, the dispersion and isolation of Podarcis erhardii populations within the region has resulted to notable geography-related variation in morphology, phylogeography, habitat selection, behavior and even feeding habits among different insular populations. Although the species is the most extensively studied Greek reptile and is represented by dozens of described subspecies in Greece, the phylogenetic relations of P. erhardii demand further research – future studies might shed light into this lizard's taxonomy and lead to the description of new taxa. Overall, this common but beautiful small lacertid can be described as a wonderful product of evolutionary history and has served as significant living proof of insular evolution.

Below is a gallery showing the phenotypic variability and habitats of this species, from images collected in-situ during my field surveys on different islands.