Podarcis lusitanicus
ExploreReptiles
Podarcis lusitanicus
Podarcis lusitanicus
The Lusitanian wall lizard is a small, colorful reptile that loves to bask in the sun. It has a long body and can run quickly to escape from danger.
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The Podarcis lusitanicus is a slender lizard, typically brownish or greyish, often with faint darker spots or stripes along its back. Males can sometimes show a greenish tinge on their sides or head, and their bellies are whitish to yellowish.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderLacertiliaFamilyLacertidaeGenusPodarcis
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Lusitanian wall lizards have excellent eyesight to spot even the smallest insects from afar!
Males do push-ups to show off and defend their territory from other lizards!
These tiny lizards often choose to lay their eggs underground, keeping them safe and warm!
They are cold-blooded, meaning their body temperature changes with the air around them!
Special abilities
Ability
Tail Escape Artist
Podarcis lusitanicus can detach its tail if caught, which wiggles to distract predators while the lizard flees to safety.
Ability
Sun-Powered Sprinter
Podarcis lusitanicus uses sunlight to warm its body, which helps them gain energy for quick bursts of movement and hunting.
Ability
Camouflage Cloak
Podarcis lusitanicus has varied patterns that help it blend perfectly into rocks, walls, and leaf litter, hiding from watchful eyes.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 12-20 cm
- Weight
- 0.002-0.008 kg
- Lifespan
- 3-8 years
- Top Speed
- 12 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 1-5
- Incubation
- 30-60 days
Diet & Feeding
These speedy lizards primarily feast on small invertebrates they find scurrying about.
Primary Foods
- Spiders
- Ants
- Flies
- Beetles
- Crickets
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
red wood ant
Formica rufa
preys on small ant species found on the ground.
eats
garden spider
Araneus diadematus
catches spiders that venture within its reach.
eaten by
Montpellier snake
Malpolon monspessulanus
a common snake predator in its native range.
eaten by
carrion crow
Corvus corone
opportunistic birds that prey on small reptiles.
Traits
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
If you see a lizard, watch it from a distance and don't try to touch it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Podarcis lusitanicus?
12-20 cm
How much does Podarcis lusitanicus weigh?
0.002-0.008 kg
How long does Podarcis lusitanicus live?
3-8 years
How fast can Podarcis lusitanicus move?
12 km/h
What does Podarcis lusitanicus eat?
These speedy lizards primarily feast on small invertebrates they find scurrying about.
Where is Podarcis lusitanicus usually found?
Coastal areas
How does Podarcis lusitanicus hunt?
Foraging
How many eggs does Podarcis lusitanicus lay?
1-5
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