Teira dugesii - Madeira Lizard

Teira dugesii
Male: P / Lisbon, 20.04.2017 - Throat and tail may be peppermint-green.

The genus of Teira seems to be closely related to the European Wall Lizards (genus Podarcis). It comprises two species: Teira dugesii is an endemic lizard of the Madeira archipelago; Teira perspicillata is a North African species. In Europe, only introduced populations of these species occur.

The nominate subspecies of the Madeira Lizards has been accidentally introduced to Lisbon Harbour - an urban and busy area in between of motorways, car parks and railway tracks. Although this may be not the most suitable lizard habitat, the population seems to be robust. Meanwhile, it has even succesfully crossed the adjoining motorway and expanded to a nearby city garden.

 

Therefore, this population's prognosis to sustain and further spread in the city of Lisbon is rather positive.

 

Podarcis virescens, which also occurs in the city of Lisbon, shows a different pattern and has a yellow tail underside.

Teira dugesii
European ranges of (introduced) Teira dugesii and Teira perspicillata.

Teira dugesii
Male; P / Lisbon, 20.04.2017
Teira dugesii
Female: P / Lisbon, 20.04.2017 - Females are brownish, sometimes with greenish tails.
Teira dugesii
Lisbon harbour area: The strange habitat of the only European (introduced) population of the Madeira Lizard.