Common wall lizard
A species of Wall lizards Scientific name : Podarcis muralis Genus : Wall lizards
Common wall lizard, A species of Wall lizards
Scientific name: Podarcis muralis
Genus: Wall lizards
Content
Description General Info
Photo By jujurenoult , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Podarcis muralis (common wall lizard) is a species of lizard with a large distribution in Europe and well-established introduced populations in North America, where it is also called the European wall lizard. It can grow to about 20Â cm (7.9Â in) in total length.
General Info
Lifespan
5-8 years
Diet
Common wall lizard are primarily insectivorous, with their diet heavily consisting of small beetles, spiders, and earthworms. Notably, they also exhibit a rare penchant for mollusks, a niche dietary trait amongst lizards.
Appearance
The common wall lizard is a small, sleek-looking lizard. Its length varies from 5 to 8 inches, with a flattened body and long tail. Its skin is layered with smooth, overlapping scales. Distinctive colors range from brown to grey, often with a pattern of dark patches and spots. Males possess a brighter tone with vivid blue spots, especially during the breeding season. Both genders display orange underbellies, with mature males more vibrant.
Behavior
Common wall lizard are primarily solitary, known for their ground-level foraging behavior in search of small invertebrates. Males exhibit territorial behavior, defending spaces with prominent sun-exposed rock faces. Notably, climbing and basking comprise significant parts of their daily routine, leveraging their adept agile movement and camouflage to evade predators and capture prey.
Population
Stable
Photo By jujurenoult , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Wall lizards Genus
Wall lizards Species
Common wall lizard