The Common Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis) is a terrestrial reptile in the Lacertidae family of wall lizards. It is a lacertid.
The Common Wall Lizard varies in colour, but is usually mottled brown with a reticulated pattern with dark spots on its side. The male is more colourful and more patterned than the female. It has a thin, elongated appearance with a long thin tail, which is about half the length of its entire body.
It grows to 20 centimetres (8 inches) long.
It is common across Europe, and is the most common lizard in France. It prefers open, sunny locations, usually along tracks and rocky terrain. It hibernates in winter, from November to March in the Northern Hemisphere, so it is seen from April to October.
It is a superb climber and can also swim. Along the ground, it is a fast-moving lizard.
It is diurnal, active during the day. Its diet is mainly insects, such as butterflies and grasshoppers. It also eats earthworms.
It is mainly solitary, but can be seen in family groups. The female lays 2-10 eggs up to three times a season, in soft soil or under rocks. The eggs hatch after about 60 days.
The lifespan of the Common Wall Lizard is 7-10 years.
Location of photographs: Paris, France
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM