Common Wall Lizard

Podarcis muralis

The Common Wall Lizard is a small lizard that loves to bask in the sun. It has a long, slender body and can change color based on its surroundings.

Habitat: Walls, rocks, and gardens.

Appearance

The Common Wall Lizard has a slender body, often with a flattened appearance, and ranges from brown to grey or greenish. It typically features dark spots or a net-like pattern, often with two faint light stripes down its back, making it blend seamlessly with rocky or urban surfaces.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderLacertiliaFamilyLacertidaeGenusPodarcis

Common Wall Lizard

Interesting facts

Some wall lizards thrive in bustling cities, living right alongside people in gardens!

These speedy lizards can shed and regrow their tails if a predator grabs them!

They use their excellent eyesight to spot tiny insect snacks from far away.

Wall lizards love to sunbathe on rocks to warm up and get energy for their day.

Special abilities

Common Wall Lizards can drop their tail when grabbed, which wriggles to distract predators while they escape.

Common Wall Lizards have specially adapted toes to grip rough surfaces, allowing them to climb walls and rocks with ease.

Their varied skin patterns and colors help them camouflage perfectly into rocky or urban environments.

Measurements & details

Length: 15-20 cm
Weight: 0.005-0.02 kg
Lifespan: 5-7 years
Top Speed: 18 km/h
Clutch Size: 2-10
Incubation: 40-70 days

Diet & Feeding

They mostly munch on tiny insects and other small critters found on walls and rocks.

Primary Foods

flies
beetles
spiders
crickets
ants

Foraging Method

Ambush

Ecological connections

eaten by

domestic cat

Felis catus

Common predator in gardens.

eaten by

Eurasian magpie

Pica pica

Birds often prey on lizards.

hunts

red wood ant

Formica rufa

Lizards eat many insect species.

eaten by

grass snake

Natrix natrix

Snakes are natural predators.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Camouflaged

Look closely for animals that are masters of disguise, blending perfectly into their surroundings! Their colors and patterns help them hide from others.

Insectivorous

Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!

Ancient Lineage

These fascinating organisms carry echoes of the deep past, with ancestors that have roamed the Earth for an incredible span of time. They are living links to ancient worlds!

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Speedster

Discover creatures that dart, zip, and fly with incredible swiftness, making them masters of rapid movement in their habitats. They are built for speed, whether chasing prey or escaping danger.