# Andalusian wall lizard (*Podarcis vaucheri*) The Andalusian wall lizard is a small, colorful lizard that loves to bask in the sun. It has a long body and can be found in many places, making it a fun creature to spot in nature! - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Andalusian wall lizard](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Podarcis_vaucheri%252C_Lacertidae-Lagartija_andaluza-%28Sevilla%29.JPG&width=800) Photo: MOGRERA, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Podarcis_vaucheri%252C_Lacertidae-Lagartija_andaluza-%28Sevilla%29.JPG) ## Appearance The Andalusian wall lizard is a slender lizard with a long tail, often twice its body length. It has brownish-grey to greenish-brown scales, frequently marked with darker spots or faint stripes. Some males display striking blue spots on their flanks and brighter undersides. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Lacertilia - **Family:** Lacertidae - **Genus:** Podarcis ## Interesting facts - Wow! If their tail is lost, a new one can amazingly grow back! - Wow! Males flash bright blue spots on their sides to attract a mate! - Wow! These lizards perform 'push-ups' to show off strength to rivals! - Wow! They must sunbathe to warm up and become active hunters each morning! ## Special abilities - **Tail Escape:** Andalusian wall lizards can drop their tail when caught by a predator, allowing them to escape while the tail wiggles to distract. - **Quick Camouflage:** Andalusian wall lizards have a limited ability to lighten or darken their skin, which helps them blend into different surroundings. - **Expert Climber:** Andalusian wall lizards have specialized claws and scales on their feet that help them cling to rough vertical surfaces with ease. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 6-22 cm - **Weight:** 0.003-0.01 kg - **Lifespan:** 3-9 years - **Speed:** 20 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 1-5 - **Incubation:** 40-70 days ## Diet & Feeding These speedy lizards mostly munch on tiny insects and spiders, helping to control small pests. - **Age differences:** Juvenile lizards eat smaller insects and younger prey. - **Primary Foods:** flies, beetles, ants, spiders, small caterpillars - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Common kestrel (*Falco tinnunculus*) — A swift bird of prey that hunts lizards. - **Eaten by:** Montpellier snake (*Malpolon monspessulanus*) — A large snake that preys on lizards in its habitat. - **Hunts:** Red wood ant (*Formica rufa*) — Actively preys on various ant species and other insects. ## Traits - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low It's best to watch lizards from a distance and not try to catch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Andalusian wall lizard? Compare toes, scales, head shape, crests and tail proportions. Many lizards can drop and regrow their tails, so a short tail isn't always a species trait. Lizard Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Andalusian wall lizard? 6-22 cm ### How much does Andalusian wall lizard weigh? 0.003-0.01 kg ### How long does Andalusian wall lizard live? 3-9 years ### How fast can Andalusian wall lizard move? 20 km/h ### What does Andalusian wall lizard eat? These speedy lizards mostly munch on tiny insects and spiders, helping to control small pests. ### Where is Andalusian wall lizard usually found? Urban areas ### How does Andalusian wall lizard hunt? Foraging ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Andalusian wall lizard: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/andalusian-wall-lizard)