When it comes to endemic Maltese animals, we can name a few insects, crustaceans and reptiles which are made-in-Malta and can be found nowhere else in the world, not even in other countries around the Med. Meanwhile, there is only one endemic mammal species on the Maltese Islands. Meet some of the true Maltese here!

Maltese Palpigrade (Eukoenia Christiani)

Introducing our first Maltese: a spider-scorpion-like creature that’s actually a rather primitive guy who lives in caves. He is small, eyeless and has a long tail-like structure.

Schembri's Spider Fly (Ogcodes Schembrii)

And here’s the fly that often ends up being that spider’s lunch.

The Maltese Honeybee (Apis Mellifera Ruttneri)

The Maltese honeybee is famous for its mean temperament, hard work and luscious honey. One could even say it gave Malta its name (Melite)!

Swallowtail (Papilio Machaon ssp. Melitensis)

Another winged one, but this butterfly is better known for its extraordinary beauty.

Maltese Ruby Tiger Moth (Phragmatobia Fuliginosa ssp. Melitensis)

This moth does what it can to compete in the beauty competition. Indeed it is quite a looker!

Maltese Field Beetle (Pimelia Rugulosa ssp. Melitana)

On the ground, this guy used to be quite common but less so these days. Watch out so you don’t crush him!

Maltese Freshwater Crab (Potamon Fluviatile ssp. Lanfrancoi)

The ten-legged greenish-grey freshwater crab is quite rare these days. You might find this fellow near the springs in Bahrija.

Maltese Wall Lizard (Podarcis Filfolensis)

The Podarcis Filfolensis has many subspecies, four of which are endemic to the Maltese Islands. Two developed specifically on the islets of Filfla and the Fungus Rock. 

Esther's Gecko Mite (Gekobia Estherae)

This is Malta's smallest endemic species. How this guy was discovered defeats us. It’s not a gecko, but a mite that's a parasite to the gecko. Unique to Malta. Wow.

Sicilian shrew (Crocidura Sicula ssp. Calypso)

Finally, a mammal. A subspecies of the Sicilian shrew is the only endemic mammal on the islands which, interestingly, only inhabits Gozo.

Of course, there are several other indigenous animals that inhabit the Mediterranean basin as well as others that have been introduced to the Maltese Islands. But if it is the pure Maltese you are interested in, check out also these endemic Maltese plants and flowers on your next walk this spring time.