Overview
The Madeira wall lizard (Teira dugesii) is a diurnal reptile in the family Lacertidae. It is the sole species placed in the genus Teira and is most strongly associated with the Madeira archipelago, where it is common in a variety of environments. The species is adaptable and frequently encountered in natural and human-modified habitats.
Description and behavior
This lizard is a small to medium-sized lacertid with a slim body, long tail and agile movements. Coloration varies widely among individuals and populations; typical patterns include mottled greens, browns and occasional bright markings on males. It is primarily active by day, basks on sunlit rocks or walls, and can be seen sprinting to catch prey or shelter in crevices when disturbed.
Distribution and habitat
Native to Madeira and nearby islands, the species occupies coastal and upland zones and tolerates gardens, stone walls, cliffs and lava fields. Its capacity to live near people has allowed it to persist across the archipelago and to establish populations beyond its native range where it has been introduced.
Diet and reproduction
The Madeiran wall lizard feeds mainly on insects and other small invertebrates, and will take occasional plant material such as fruit or nectar. Reproduction is oviparous: females lay eggs in concealed warm sites such as loose soil or rock crevices, and young emerge fully formed after development in the egg.
Ecological role and human interactions
As an insectivore it helps control invertebrate populations and may contribute to pollination or seed dispersal when it consumes fruit or visits flowers. It is generally tolerated by people and is a familiar element of Madeira’s urban and rural landscapes. Predators include birds and introduced mammals.
Taxonomy and notable facts
- Taxonomy: sole species of the genus Teira.
- Variation: marked colour and pattern differences among populations.
- Status: typically common in its native range and not widely considered threatened.