Range extension and morphology of the Italian wall lizard, Podarcis siculus (Rafinesque-Schmaltz, 1810) (Squamata: Lacertidae), from Turkey

Authors: CEMAL VAROL TOK, KERİM ÇİÇEK, SİBEL HAYRETDAĞ, YAHYA TAYHAN, BATUHAN YAMAN YAKIN

Abstract: A record of the Italian wall lizard, Podarcis siculus (Rafinesque-Schmaltz, 1810), from Atakum (Samsun, Central Black Sea Region) is provided in this study. In addition, 5 specimens (3 males and 2 females) from Atakum (Samsun) and 14 specimens (7 males and 7 females) from Gelibolu (Çanakkale, Thrace), with records provided recently, were evaluated in terms of measurements, pholidosis, and color and pattern. With the record from Samsun, the Italian wall lizard's distributional range has been extended about 360 km eastwards. The specimens examined from both localities were determined to resemble P. s. hieroglyphicus (Berthold, 1840), distributed in Thrace and Anatolia. Moreover, some information on the breeding biology of the specimens is provided.

Keywords: Podarcis siculus, distribution, Thrace, Black Sea region, Turkey

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