Podarcis melisellensis (Braun, 1877)

Taxonomic Classification

The Dalmatian wall lizard, scientifically named Podarcis melisellensis, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae.

Geographic Range

It is found in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, Serbia, Montenegro, and Slovenia.

Natural Habitats

Its natural habitats are temperate forests, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, rocky areas, and pastureland.

Adult Size

Dalmatian wall lizards grow up to 65 mm (2.6 in) in snout–vent length, and the tail is about twice as long as the body.

Reproductive Clutch Size

Female Dalmatian wall lizards lay 2 to 8 eggs per clutch.

Hatchling Size

Upon hatching, juveniles measure around 25 mm (0.98 in) in snout–vent length.

Ventral Color Morphs

This species displays three distinct ventral color morphs: yellow, orange, and white.

Orange Morph Dominance Signaling

Orange morph males are more dominant than other morphs in intrasexual competition, as the orange color signals greater aggression.

Orange Morph Competitive Traits

Orange morph lizards are larger in size and have stronger bite force, which lets them fend off competing males to claim territory and mate with their chosen female.

Female Mate Preference for Orange Males

Females of this species prefer orange males, because larger, healthier orange males can provide high-quality indirect benefits to a female's offspring.

Female Mating with Yellow Morphs

Even though females prefer mating with orange morphs, they will still mate with yellow morphs.

Yellow Morph Reproductive Benefits

Yellow morph lizards provide females with more direct benefits, such as protection and small territory, rather than indirect benefits.

White Morph Mating Strategy

White males can only mate by intruding on another male's territory and mating with the females that belong to that male.