Hi, as a follow-up, the Italian Wall Lizard certainly survives in the cold winters of both NY and the northeast. There are also colonies in a few other states. Approximately 7-10,000 on Long Island since their initial accidental release in the late 1960's.

A small colony was orinially reported in Copea in the 1930's and again in the 1950's, but urban development and repeated collection by teenagers eventually may have wiped them out. Rumors still turn up regarding the "lost" Philadelphia colony, but never confirmed and were most often skinks or recent escapee of another pet. I doubt any of the original colony still exist. Dr. Burke at Hofstra on LI has a good database and Newsday has an on-line feature from last year.

Regards
Rob Alvey
USEPA, NY

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