La lagartija de Bocage, Podarcis bocagei (SEOANE, 1884): Primeros datos sobre su distribución, colorido y ecología

P. bocagei is considered a valid species, and several criteria are used for distinguish it in sympatry of P. hispanica, a closely related species. A detailed distribution map is provided for this lizard, which occurs in Galicia, León, Orense, Zamora, western slopes of the Sistema Central, and probably, the north of Portugal. P. hispanica males and females in the Sistema Central are significant larger than males and females of P. bocagei. Significant differences in size, scalation and ecology are apparent between the Sistema Central and northern populations of P. bocagei, but no taxonomic decisions are made, pending a more detailed study. The examination of the masseteric shield revealed its large size in P. bocagei and its absence in most of the P. hispanica studied. P. bocagei has a relatively robust, deep skull, probably related to his terrestriral habits, unlike P. hispanica, which has a flattened skull and, at least in the Sistema Central, is a saxicolous species. P. bocagei is very common in Galicia and is found there at altitudes between 0 and 1500 meters, but in the Sistema Central is restricted to Quercus pyrenaica forests, between 800 and 1200 meters.