If you’ve ever gone for a stroll along a sunny path in Malta or Gozo, chances are you’ve seen a quick flash of green or brown darting out of sight – that’s the Maltese wall lizard (Podarcis filfolensis), one of the most charming little creatures in the islands' wild world.
Local wildlife photographer Denis Cachia recently captured a striking photo of a speckled yellow and black variety of this native lizard basking on a rock in Gozo, and it’s as photogenic as it is fascinating!
Over time, the Maltese Wall Lizard has developed different colours and markings depending on which island (or islet) it lives on. The Filfla variety, for example, is known for being jet black with a bluish sheen!
Here are some fun facts about the colourful creatures:
They LOVE the sun
Wall lizards are cold-blooded and can often be seen soaking up the sun on walls, rocks, or paths.
They can drop their tail!
If threatened, they’ll detach their tail to distract predators — and it eventually grows back.
They’re excellent climbers
Thanks to their sticky toe pads, they’re agile climbers and often scramble up walls with ease.
They’re tiny but speedy
Though usually only 15–20cm long, they can move surprisingly fast to escape danger. In fact, rather than spotting the creature in its entirely, you’re likely to spot the flick of a head or tail. This makes Denis’s photo capture even more impressive!
Despite their small size, these lizards play an important role in the ecosystem, feeding on insects and helping to keep the local bug population in balance.
So next time you're out in the countryside, especially on a warm, quiet morning, keep an eye on the sunlit stone walls. You might just spot one of Malta’s most iconic little locals showing off its colours!
What colour was the last lizard you spotted?