European wall lizard
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 20 cm (7.9 in) in total length.
The Common wall lizard is a small, fast-moving lizard with a large distribution in Europe. Its small scales are highly variable in color and pattern. The coloration of this lizard is generally brownish or greyish, and may occasionally be tinged with green. In some individuals, the row of spots along their backs may form a line, while others may have a reticulated pattern with dark spots on the side and scattered white spots that can be blue in the shoulder region. The tail is brown, grey, or rust in color, and may also have light bars on the sides. The belly region has six rows of larger rectangular scales that are generally reddish, pink, or orangish. Common wall lizards may also have dark markings on the throat.
The range of Common wall lizards includes much of mainland Europe except the north and very south and extends to Turkey. They inhabit rocky environments, scrubland, woodlands, orchards, fields, and urban areas. In the southern part of their range, these lizards tend to occur in humid or semi-humid habitats and prefer drier habitats in the north.
Common wall lizards are solitary diurnal reptiles that spend their days foraging, basking in the sun, or scurrying between rocks, rubble, debris, and buildings. They are adept climbers and diggers; if Common wall lizards can't find a natural shelter they will readily create their own burrow. These small creatures don't tolerate cold temperatures and during winter they hibernate underground until spring. Common wall lizards rely both on visual and chemical signals to communicate with each other. Males are equipped with femoral glands, which produce a waxy secretion used for chemical signaling; the compounds in their secretions are known to carry socially relevant information.
Common wall lizards are carnivores, particularly insectivores. Their diet includes grasshoppers, crickets, spiders, caterpillars, moths, and butterflies.
Common wall lizards breed in spring when they emerge after hibernation. Females usually lay 2-3 clutches per year; the first clutch is laid in March and consists of between 3 and 10 eggs. The eggs are typically buried in the soil or placed under rocks. Fully-developed (precocial ) young hatch 6-11 weeks later. They are completely independent and become reproductively mature at around 3 years of age.
Common wall lizards don't face any major threats at present. However, some populations suffer locally from the loss of suitable habitat, tourism, pollution, collisions with auto vehicles, and from the introduction of non-native subspecies.
According to IUCN, the Common wall lizard is widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.
