46. Italian
Wall Lizard - Podarcis sicula campestris
Description: 6 - 8 ¼" (15 - 21 cm). Dorsal
color green with a black and brown spotted line down center
from neck to base of tail. White lateral stripe down each
side from neck to base of tail. Ventral surface completely
white, except lateral border where there are sporadic
black spots. Jaw white. Eyes small. Narrow, slender lizards
with small scales. Juveniles have more distinct lines
and lack green stripes early on.
Similar
species in our area: NONE
Lifestyle:
This lizard has been introduced to L.I. from Europe. It
was first introduced onto L.I. in 1967. It
is abundant locally in specific localities. They thrive
in urbanized areas living in and around human debris,
rocks and logs. Prefer areas with sunlight, especially
fields bordered with low vegetation. Primary found on
the ground but will climb. Mates in spring and early summer.
Young lack green stripes, and are much duller in color,
with distinct stripes down back and are 1.5-3". This species
is diurnal.
47. Northern
Fence Lizard - Sceloporus undulatus
Description: 3 ½ - 7 ¼" (9 - 18.5
cm). Color varies from gray to brown. Distinct dark line
running along the rear of the thigh. Males have purple
to green/blue sides and throat. Females have wavy lines
across their backs and yellow to red at base of tail.
Belly white with black flecks. This lizard has a very
stout body and many spiny scales.
Similar
species in our area: NONE
Lifestyle:
This species (29 individuals) was introduced to the "Rossville
sector" of Staten Island by the famous herpetologist Carl
F. Kaufeld in 1942. They were deliberately released in
order to provide a local source of food for lizard-eating
snakes at the Staten Island Zoo. The release was
successful and the lizards were considered "well-established"
in 1959. I am unaware of any more recent information
about this population. Thus it is only found in
a very tiny fraction of our area at most, and is quite
rare. They prefer to bask in sunny locations on logs,
rocks, trees or fences. Prefers pine forests. Mates April
to August. 5-15 eggs are laid June through September.
Eggs probably hatch late summer /early fall in our area
at 1.5 to 2.5". Young look more like the females but are
less colored. This species is diurnal. It is now listed
as "Threatened" by the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation.
.