Common Wall LizardPodarcis muralisWhere and when to see them

The Common Wall Lizard is a small, agile reptile native to much of continental Europe, including France. It is particularly associated with sunny stonework, rocky slopes and other places that combine warmth with nearby shelter. Suitable habitats occur along both the Saône and the Seine, including old walls, embankments and riverside settlements. Although often encountered near waterways, it is a land-dwelling lizard rather than an aquatic species. Its ability to use human-made structures allows it to live close to people where conditions are suitable.

Size

Usually 15–20 cm in total length, including the long tail; head and body typically 5–7 cm.

Weight

Typically about 3–9 g in adults.

Lifespan

Usually around 4–6 years in the wild, occasionally reaching about 10 years.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Common Wall Lizards are active by day and regulate their body temperature by moving between sunny and shaded places. They often bask on exposed stone before searching for food. During hot weather, they may retreat into crevices and become more active again when temperatures fall. They climb well and can move rapidly across rough, steep surfaces. When disturbed, they usually dash into a nearby crack or dense vegetation. Males may defend areas against rivals, especially during the breeding season. Females lay eggs in sheltered sites such as loose soil or spaces beneath stones. During colder months, the lizards generally remain inactive in protected refuges, although mild weather can bring occasional activity.

• The name muralis refers to walls, one of its characteristic habitats.
• Its tail normally accounts for more than half its total length.
• It can shed its tail to escape a predator, but regrowing it costs energy.
• Unlike the Common Lizard, which usually gives birth to live young, this species lays eggs.

Wildlife opportunities depend on the river reach, water levels and species. River-specific viewing months have not been confirmed; general species seasons are not a local sighting forecast.

This species favours sunny habitats with exposed surfaces for basking and plenty of small hiding places. Natural sites include rocky outcrops, scree, banks and open woodland edges. It also occupies dry-stone walls, ruins, railway margins, gardens and other built environments. Along the Saône and Seine, suitable places include warm masonry, bridge approaches and raised banks that remain above regular flooding. Shaded, waterlogged ground and dense vegetation without basking sites are generally less suitable.

Common Wall Lizards eat mainly small invertebrates. Their prey includes insects, spiders and other arthropods found on walls, among plants or at ground level. They hunt opportunistically, using sight to locate prey and making quick movements to seize it. Small amounts of fruit or other plant material are occasionally eaten, but these are not the main part of the diet.

Common name

Common Wall Lizard

Scientific name

Podarcis muralis

Animal group

Reptiles

Size

Usually 15–20 cm in total length, including the long tail; head and body typically 5–7 cm.

Weight

Typically about 3–9 g in adults.

Lifespan

Usually around 4–6 years in the wild, occasionally reaching about 10 years.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Identification

Look for a slender lizard with a slightly flattened body, a pointed snout and a long, tapering tail. The upperparts are usually brown or grey, often with dark spots, mottling or a net-like pattern. A dark band along each side, sometimes bordered by pale lines, can be conspicuous, while the underside may be whitish, yellow or orange. Colour and markings vary considerably, so distinguishing it from other small lizards may require a clear view and knowledge of the local species.