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The electrophoretic variation at 26 presumptive gene loci was investigated in populations of the closely related species Podarcis sicula, P. wagleriana, P. raffonei, and P. filfolensis. Low values of proportion of polymorphic loci (P) and mean observed heterozygosity (Ho) were found in P. sicula (P= 0.10; Ho= 0.016), P. wagleriana (P= 0.13; Ho= 0.029), and P. raffonei (P= 0.08; Ho= 0.017), while higher levels of genetic variability were observed in P. filfolensis (P= 0.17; Ho= 0.054). In the latter species, a multiple regression analysis was carried out in order to analyse the geographic correlates of P and Ho. The results of this analysis were consistent with the predictions of the time-divergence theory of variation, supporting the conclusion that directional selection is the main force eroding genetic variation on small islands. Intraspecific values of Nei`s (1972) standard genetic distance were relatively low in P. sicula (average D= 0.024), P. wagleriana (average D= 0.004), and P. filfolensis (average D= 0.012), while higher in P. raffonei (D= 0.040). The lizards from Pantellena Island, which were considered by BISCHOFF (1986) to be very similar to P. filfolensis from Malta on the basis of a superficial analysis of the coloration pattern, were shown to actually belong to P. sicula. This confirms that the range of P. filfolensis only includes the Maltese Archipelago, Linosa Island, and the islet of Lampione. Surprisingly, the samples of P. filfolensis from the Pelagie Islands (Linosa and Lampione) were very similar to those from the Maltese Archipelago (average D= 0.016). This could be explained by rafting or anthropogenic introduction of P. filfolensis on Linosa and Lampione. Podarcis wagleriana and P. raffonei were genetically related (average D= 0.152), confirming the results of previous electrophoretic investigations. Podarcis filfolensis, though showing some morphological affinity with P. wagleriana, was genetically highly differentiated from this latter species (average D= 0.526), while being more similar to P. sicula (average D= 0.306). This indicates a close relationship between P. sicula and P. filfolensis, suggesting that P. sicula and P. filfolensis probably diverged from a common ancestor, and that the apparent similarity between P. filfolensis and P. wagleriana could be merely due to morphological convergence.

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The insular lizard microcommunity inhabiting the Lampione islet (Pelagian islands, S Italy) is constituted by a skink (Chalcides ocellatus) and a lacertid lizard (Podarcis filfolensis). Their diet composition (taxa and sizes)) during spring-early summer were analysed based on 131 faecal pellets, which could be individually assigned to a lizard species and sex (only in P. filfolensis). The diet of C. ocellatus was biased towards hard prey of medium to large sizes (Coleoptera, insect larvae). Podarcis filfolensis displayed a more diverse prey spectrum including Formicidae, Coleoptera, insect larvae and minor prey not consumed by the skink, but restricted to the small items; differences between sexes were minimal. Both species were partially herbivorous. Evidence of cannibalism was found for P. filfolensis and C. ocellatus preyed upon P. filfolensis. Pseudocommunity analysis does not support community structure but instead points to convergence in trophic strategies between both species due to insular conditions. Evolutionary history, rather than resource partitioning, seems responsible for the moderate trophic overlaps recorded and even may explain why both species coexist under the harsh conditions of this tiny islet.

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The insular lizard microcommunity inhabiting the Lampione islet (Pelagian islands, S Italy) is constituted by a skink (Chalcides ocellatus) and a lacertid lizard (Podarcis filfolensis). Their diet composition (taxa and sizes)) during spring-early summer were analysed based on 131 faecal pellets, which could be individually assigned to a lizard species and sex (only in P. filfolensis). The diet of C. ocellatus was biased towards hard prey of medium to large sizes (Coleoptera, insect larvae). Podarcis filfolensis displayed a more diverse prey spectrum including Formicidae, Coleoptera, insect larvae and minor prey not consumed by the skink, but restricted to the small items; differences between sexes were minimal. Both species were partially herbivorous. Evidence of cannibalism was found for P. filfolensis and C. ocellatus preyed upon P. filfolensis. Pseudocommunity analysis does not support community structure but instead points to convergence in trophic strategies between both species due to insular conditions. Evolutionary history, rather than resource partitioning, seems responsible for the moderate trophic overlaps recorded and even may explain why both species coexist under the harsh conditions of this tiny islet.

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Although it was obvious to us that it would be useful to include a list of the herpetofauna found on the Italian islands, it immediately became clear that this would be no easy task: the information in the literature is often incomplete, inaccurate and difficult to check, and precise data are available only for the circum-Sardinian islands (POGGESI et al., 1996), the circum-Sicilian islands (L ANZA, 1973; CORTI et al., 1998) and the Tuscan Archipelago (HOTZ, 1973; COR- TI et al., 1991; VANNI & NISTRI, 1999, 2000). In order to form as complete a picture as possible, we also consulted numerous works on single islands or groups of islands, e.g. the Handbuch der Rep- tilien und Amphibien Europas. Finally, we had access to a large vol- ume of as yet unpublished data from the Progetto Atlante, including reports for the Ligurian and Apulian islands, gathered by the region- al chapters of the Societas Herpetologica Italica. For the sake of brevity, lacustrian and riverine populations and those of delta bars, beaches and island lakes have been omitted. Apart from the fact that few data are available, these populations are not actually separate from those of adjoining coasts. We do make an important exception to this rule in mentioning the taxon Lacerta muralis borromeica Mertens, 1932, described for the Isola Madre on Lago Maggiore and later declared invalid by the author. The subspecies status of many island populations of lacertids of the Podarcis genus remains open to debate, and is discussed in more detail in the chapter “Checklist of the Italian herpetofauna with tax- onomic remarks”. These populations can present far greater variabil- ity in patterning than continental populations [e.g. Podarcis sicula caporiaccoi (Taddei, 1949) see HOTZ (1973)] or unusual colouring (e.g. melanotic) which, although they make island and archipelago populations easier to identify, are considered by modern taxono- mists to be of doubtful systematic validity. It was decided to include the description of a species or sub- species for an island as a note, with the type locality in square brack- ets, and with the name supplied by the author without commenting on its validity.

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Lizards and Eleonora’s falcon occur on many Mediterranean islets. Data given in literature and new observations concerning their asymmetrical interactions, which have been reviewed and illustrated, allow to regard those as a commensal relationship typical on these micro-insular ecosystems. Some considerations on the ecological, ecomorphological and phenological traits involved on this commensalism are also briefly discussed.

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Mediterranean lizards are involved in the dispersion of Capparis spinosa subsp. rupestris due to their attraction by fleshy tissues of the fruits, ripening in xeric coastal environments during the summer months. The results of field observations carried out in Linosa (Pelagie Islands) are presented, showing that dispersal by Podarcis filfolensis laurentiimuelleri principally happens through ingestion of the seeds together with parts of the fleshy pulp. This lizard, endemic to Linosa and Lampione is widespread in different habitats and shows trophic generalism. The fruit of C. spinosa subsp. rupestris, a dehiscent berry, is described and the implications of the dispersal agents on the autecology of this plant are discussed. These observations confirm the importance of lizard-plant mutualism in the islands, where lizards are often recorded as fruit consumers.

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Data on the field body temperatures of Chalcides ocellatus and Podarcis filfolensis from Lampione Islet (Pelagie Islands, Channel of Sicily) are presented and discussed. Both lizard species show a wide range (about 12.0 °C) between minimum and maximum. Mean body temperatures resulted rather higher in C. ocellatus (34.1 °C) than in P. filfolensis (32.8 °C), and their medians differ significantly. C. ocellatus seems to be less dependent on environmental factors and slightly more efficient than P. filfolensis as regard thermoregulation.

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Lampione (35°33’00” N - 12°19’11” E Greenwich) is the smallest islet of the Pelagie Archipelago, with a surface of 2.10 ha and a maximum elevation of 36 m a.s.l. It is situated 17 Km off the western coast of Lampedusa Island, in the Channel of Sicily. The islet is inhabited by a population of the Maltese Wall Lizard, Podarcis filfolensis (Bedriaga 1876), which is interesting to study from an ecological point of view because of the unusual characteristics of the study area (extreme isolation and insularity, low human disturbance, etc.). This population, referred to the ssp. laurentiimuelleri (Fejérváry 1924) by Lanza & Bruzzone (1961), is characterised by an intense melanism. As expected, the population body size (SVL, mm) differed significantly among sexes and age classes, males were significantly bigger than females. Three out of five males, and one out of two females had the tail broken or regenerated. These frequencies did not differ significantly at χ2 test . A high density characterised the species on this islet, where it is syntopic with Chalcides ocellatus: 75-80 individuals of P. filfolensis per 100 m2 were counted in the upper plateau, covered by alo-nitrophilous vegetation (Salicornietea). Vegetal matters were found in 60.9% (total n = 14) of the faecal pellets examined (total n = 23), these exceeded in terms of frequency of occurrence any other food category. In particular, when we compared the frequency of occurrence of vegetal matters in specimens with known sex, it resulted that 4 out of 5 males, 2 out of 2 females, and 1 out of 2 sub- adults had eaten vegetal matters. is suggests that herbivorous habits are not exclusive of a given sex or age class, but are indeed widespread at all levels of the studied population. The rest of the dietary spectrum consists of small invertebrates (mainly Hymenoptera Formicidae, Coleoptera Tenebrionidae, and other arthropods), as usually found in the small lacertids of the Mediterranean basin.

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The papers aims at underlining the “unespected” value of Lampione’s biological heritage, as well as the fragility of its ecosystem. Despite its very little size, this islet harbours a very rich pool of plant and animal species of high biological and/or conservation interest. Special attention is paid to the biogeographic meaning of local endemics, on local extinction and turnover processes, on some ecological or biological patterns which contribute to the distinctiveness of local biota. However, further investigations are needed in order to complete the list of animals and to monitor the demographic trends of all species. In particular, it is necessary to assess if local seagull colony may represent a major threat for local diversity.

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Circum‐Sicilian and Maltese herpetofauna includes 22 species occurring with steady populations, andsome of them (Pelophylax bedriagae, Trachemys scripta, Chamaeleo chamaeleon, Hemorrhois algirus and perhapsTelescopus fallax) were introduced during the last two centuries, while for other 7 at least one introduction withinthe study islands was documented during the same span of time; furthermore, temporary occurrences were alsodetected for other 16 species (3 amphibians and 13 reptiles), some of which (Hyla sp., Graptemys pseudogeo‐graphica, Centrochelys sulcata, Pantherophis guttatus and Lampropeltis getula) have not been previously recordedfor these islands. Accidental or intentional introductions have gradually increased in recent decades and have asignificant influence in shaping these herpetofunal assemblages. On the contrary, extinction seems to be less fre‐quent and involved especially amphibians. The updated faunal inventory for 65 islands includes several new recordsand the results of the first herpetological investigations on the islets Faraglione di terra di Cala Fico, Colombaia,Vittoria Garcia (circum‐Sicilian), Pigeon Rock and Cheirolopus Rock (Maltese).

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Die letzte zusammenfassende Obersicht der Malta- Reptilien durch Lanfranco (1955) ist durch Chelonia mydas und Lepidochelys (wahrscheinlich kempii) zu ergiinzen. lm Gegensatz zu seiner und der Auffassung der iilteren Autoren sind die Mauereidechsen Maltas sicherlich keine Rassen von Lacerta 11111ralis, sondern bilden einen eigenen Rassenkreis, der von der sizilianischen Lacerta 1/Nigleriana abzuleiten ist. Da die Originalbe- schreibung von L

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Se ha llevado a cabo un estudio helmintológico de muestras fecales de tres especies de saurios (Podarcis filfolensis, Podarcis raffonei y Chalcides ocellatus) en islas del Norte y Sur de Sicilia (Mediterráneo Central). Se detectaron cuatro especies de nematodos, Parapharyngodon micipsae, Parapharyngodon sp., Pharyngodon sp. y Skrjabinelazia sp. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren, para los tres hospedadores, pobreza de sus comunidades helmintianas y hábitos alimenticios esencialmente carnívoros.

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Podarcis filfolensis is an endemic lizard from the Maltese archipelago. There is evidence of human-mediated decline and even extirpation of some insular populations of this species. However, information about the intraspecific genetic diversity and phylogeographic patterns of this species is limited. Here we analyze genetic markers from a multi-locus dataset (mtDNA, 2,533 bp; nuclear c-mos gene, 353 bp; 11 microsatellites) for individuals from extant populations of P. filfolensis. Despite generally low genetic variability, two main mitochondrial groupings were clearly identified. In general, individuals from the main island of Malta were genetically distinct from those from Gozo, Comino, Cominotto and Small Blue Lagoon Rock, and also from Linosa and Lampione individuals. Three genetic clusters were detected based on microsatellite data: one was found at higher frequency on Malta, while the other two included samples from the remaining islands, showing some concordance with the mtDNA pattern. A time-calibrated Bayesian tree for the principal mitochondrial lineages indicated strong statistical support for two P. filfolensis lineages that originated in the Pleistocene (105.4–869 Ka). We show that these lineages largely meet the criteria for recognition as evolutionary significant units despite some recent admixture (possibly due to recent translocations between islands). Human disturbance, low genetic variability, evidence of bottlenecks and extirpation on one island indicate that a thorough review of the current conservation status of P. filfolensis would be timely.

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The Expansion-Contraction (EC) model predicts demographic and range contraction of temperate species during Pleistocene glaciations as a consequence of climate-related habitat changes, and provides a paradigm for explaining the high intraspecific diversity found in refugia in terms of long-term demographic stability. However, recent evidence has revealed a weak predictive power of this model for terrestrial species in insular and coastal settings. We investigated the Pleistocene EC dynamics and their evolutionary consequences on temperate species using the Maltese archipelago and its endemic lizard Podarcis filfolensis as a model system. The evolutionary and demographic history of P. filfolensis as inferred from mitochondrial and nuclear sequences data does not conform to the EC model predictions, supporting (i) demographic and spatial stability or expansion, rather than contraction, of the northern and southern lineages during the last glacial period, and (ii) a major role for allopatric differentiation primed by sea-level dynamics, rather than prolonged demographic stability, in the formation of the observed genetic diversity. When combined with evidence from other Mediterranean refugia, this study shows how the incorporation of Pleistocene sea-level variations in the EC model accounts for a reverse demographic and range response of insular and coastal temperate biotas relative to continental ones. Furthermore, this cross-archipelago pattern in which allopatric diversity is formed and shaped by EC cycles resembles that seen between isolated populations within mainland refugia and suggests that the EC model, originally developed to explain population fluctuations into and out-of refugia, may be appropriate for describing the demographic and evolutionary dynamics driving the high genetic diversity observed in these areas.

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We investigated the phylogeography and historical demography of the Maltese wall lizard Podarcis filfolensis using both mitochondrial and nuclear genetic markers. We included samples from all the main islands of the Maltese and Pelagian archipelagos and from every islet and offshore rock where this species occurs. The phylogenetic analyses show two main mitochondrial phylogroups, one occurring in the island of Malta and the islet of Filfla (Maltese lineage) and the other one mainly distributed on Gozo and Comino islands and their surrounding islets, and on the Pelagian islands (Gozitan lineage). We discuss what demographic dynamics and microevolutionary processes have been involved in shaping the pattern of genetic diversity and distribution of P. filfolensis within the general framework of Pleistocene biogeography of temperate biota in coastal areas.

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The Maltese-Pelagian area is characterised by an endemic species of Wall Lizard - Podarcis filfolensis. This has differentiated into various subspecies on the various islands and rocks of the region including ssp. filfolensis on Filfola, laurentiimuelleri of Lampione and Linosa, generalensis of Fungus Rock, kieselbachi of St. Paul`s Islands, maltensis of Malta and Gozo and possibly Comino, and an unnamed form from Cominotto. The taxonomical status of the species and its possible origins from Podarcis sicula are reviewed in the light of the geological movements which occurred in the Central Mediterranean during the Pleistocene. The colour differences between the various subspecies are reviewed and four degrees of melanism are proposed.

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Podarcis filfolensis is a lacertid lizard endemie to the Maltese and Pelagian archipelagos (Channel of Sicily). In Italy, this species occurs on Linosa and Lampione islands only, where the populations are referred to the endemic ssp. laurentiimuelleri. The Linosa population was studied using capture/recapture methods during two sampling seasons (1993, 2001), in order to analyse various ecological parameters and to assess habitat distribution and overall conservation status. A clear preference to xeric Mediterranean habitats dominated by Pistacia lentiscus was seen. The lizard density of the whole Linosa population, estimated by various methods, is extremely high. Molecular analyses (partial sequencing of mitochondria! tRNAphe and 12S rDNA genes) and electrophoretic analysis of 26 presumptive gene loci were also carried out on samples representing the three P. filfolensis populations from Malta, Filfola and Linosa islands. Both molecular and allozyme data indicate that the populations of the Maltese Archipelago (Malta and Filfola) are closely related to each other, and that these populations are genetically relatively differentiated from the Linosa population. High levels of genetic variability characterise the latter population. Recent observations of the species on Lampione Islet indicate that it is locally widespread and abundant Even though P. filfolensis does not seem to be threatened on either Linosa or Lampione, the populations occurring on these islands need to be regularly monitored as island populations are known to be more susceptible to change and extinction than mainland ones.

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A general portrait of the Maltese Wall Lizard (Podarcis filfolensis) is given including description, subspecies, distribution, ecology and reproduction. In particular the distribution and habitats of P. f. maltensis on Malta and Gozo are compared. While the Maltese wall lizard is abundant on Gozo it is rare or missing in many parts of the main island Malta. Reasons for this unexpected scattered distribution on Malta are discussed.

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The Maltese Wall Lizard, Podarcis filfolensis, exists in a number of isolated populations, some of which have been given formal scientific names as subspecies. Special attention was given to the population of P.filfolensis kieselbachi, which is endemic to Selmunett Island due to the fact of its rapid decrease. The prime suspect for this matter is Rattus sp. Through the literature read it was noted that between the late 80`s to early 90`s, the population of P.filfolensis kieselbachi was very dense all over the island. Since the present author started visiting the island in late 1997, there was still quite a good stable population that scarcely could be found in all over the island. During these studies since 1999 the author divided the island in several sections in order to organise my observations. Today, lizards inhabit approximately only 1/10 of the island and they are all located in one particular section of the smaller islet that the author have designated as Area C. Here the maximum population is of the order of 30 to 35 lizards. This very small population is a matter of concern and some kind of action has to be taken to reverse this decline.

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The islet’s recent discovery by the authors hold quite a rich biota compared to its size. In this work topography is re- described adding one species of flora to the already known six (SCIBERRAS & SCIBERRAS 2010, SCIBERRAS et al. 2012) and 32 new species of fauna to the two recorded (LO CASCIO & SCIBERRAS 2020, AGUIS & SCIBERRAS 2022) with a complete description of the endemic lacertid, Podarcis filfolensis, in situ.

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Different behavior in populations of Podarcis filflolensis on the Maltese and Pelagian islands are described and discussed.

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This paper represents an update of the list of Italian amphibians and reptiles published 15 years ago by Razzetti et al. (2006) and of the checklist published in 1993 by the late Benedetto Lanza. At present, the Italian herpetofauna includes 100 species (41 amphibians and 59 reptiles) and an amphibian taxon of hybrid origin. Seven species and one subspecies are allochthonous and became naturalized within the last century. Since the last published list, a new species has been described (Vipera walser), five taxa have been raised to species rank (Salamandrina perspicillata, Speleomantes sarrabusensis, Zootoca carniolica, Malpolon insignitus and Natrix helvetica) while three taxa have been downgraded to subspecies. All the relevant taxonomic changes based upon new research have been discussed, including tentative revisions and controversial taxa. Nine species reported or listed dubitatively in Lanza’s 1993 list are excluded here.

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Auctor scrutatur- 1273 lacertas e paeninsula et insulis Italiciis (praetermissis insulis Etruscis, de quarum lacertis iam antea disseruerat), in quibus undecim subspecies ante ignotas invenit; de nonnullarum distributione disputat; et singulas species et subspecies accurate describit, rationem quamdam dicotomicam etiam tradens, qua facilius recognosci possint.