A small, intriguing reptile found widely across Europe and parts of Asia. It’s especially known for its adept climbing skills, often spotted basking on walls, rocks, and even near human dwellings, which explains its name. It can shed its tail to escape predators—a process known as autotomy.
One of the most distinctive features of the common wall lizard is its varied coloration. These lizards can display a range of colors from gray and brown to vivid greens, often with patterns of spots, stripes, or mottled markings that help them blend into their surroundings. The belly is usually lighter, ranging from white to yellow. During the breeding season, males may exhibit brighter colors and more pronounced patterns to attract females or to intimidate other males. This visual display adds a vibrant spectacle to their otherwise rocky habitats.
Adaptability is a key trait of the common wall lizard. They thrive in a variety of environments, including grasslands, urban areas, and gardens, but they prefer sunny spots where they can absorb the heat needed to stay active. They are cold-blooded, relying on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. This makes sunny spots ideal for their survival, particularly in the cooler climates of Europe.
Diet-wise, the common wall lizard is insectivorous, feeding mainly on a diet of insects and spiders. This makes them a welcome guest in many gardens, as they help control pest populations. Their hunting strategy is both patient and precise, waiting quietly and striking quickly when prey comes within reach.
Distribution
Albania
Austria
Belgium
Bosnia And Herz.
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czechia
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Italy
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Montenegro
North Macedonia
Romania
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Switzerland
Turkey
United Kingdom
United StatesAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
