Lizard, Wall (Podarcis muralis)
Animal facts
Size
This is a fairly small lizard reaching lengths of 7 to 8 inches and has a fairly slim build.
Habitat and Distribution
This species has a natural distribution throughout much of Europe including Belgium, The Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Italy and Spain. It also has an introduced distribution in the UK and to parts of North America.
Throughout its range it spends its time living in rock crevices, rubble and around buildings.
Age
This species is recorded as living for up to 7 years.
Diet
This is an insectivorous species feeding on small insects including flies, moths, spiders and insect grubs.
Groups and Breeding
This species will hibernate over winter with breeding starting shortly after the arrival of the warm weather. The female will lay between 2 to 10 eggs, scattered around the rocks to ensure the best chance of the eggs not being eaten. Depending on the weather conditions these eggs will take 6 to 11 weeks to hatch.
Threats
This animal is classed as least concern because it has a wide and health distribution, and is able to adapt easily even to areas which have been moved in to by humans.
Interesting fact's
Out of all the truly European lizard species this one has the widest natural distribution.