European Wall Lizard - Podarcis muralis

Scientific Name: Podarcis muralis. (Podarcis = 'agile feet'; muralis = 'wall'.)


English Name: European Wall Lizard, Common Wall Lizard.

French Name:

5 Key Characters:

• narrow pointed head and slender body.
• long tail (usually longer than body).
• long toes.
• brown with spots and blotches, rather variable.
• live in family groups.

Lookalikes: None in this area.


Habitat: Urban areas, gardens, walls, especially old walls.

Active Period: Spring, summer, autumn. They hibernate in winter.


Status: Very common. The most common lizard in the area. Threatened by cats predating them in the bigger towns and cities.


Photographed by Loire Valley Nature: