Identification
The Common Wall Lizard is a small, thin lizard whose small scales are highly
variable in color and pattern. Their coloration is generally brownish or grayish,
and may occasionally be tinged with green. In some individuals the row of spots
along their back may form a line, while others may have a reticulated pattern
with dark spots on the side and scattered white spots that can be blue in the
shoulder region. The tail is brown, grey or rust in color, and may also have
light bars on the sides. The belly region has 6 rows of larger rectangular scales
that are generally reddish, pink, or orangish. Common Wall Lizards may also
have dark markings on the throat.
Distribution and Status
The Common Wall Lizard is an introduced species whose natural range spans mainland
Europe in central Spain, southern Belgium, and the Netherlands. In the US this
lizard has established populations along the Ohio River and within Cincinnati,
Ohio, particularly in the vicinity of the Cincinnati Zoo (US
distribution map). Within the Midwest, the Common Wall Lizard is
only found in Ohio.
Ecology
The Common Wall Lizard prefers urban settings where it can scurry between rock,
rubble, debris and buildings.
Resources
General reference guides and websites.
Bruce Kingsbury, Director
Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management
Science Building
Indiana-Purdue University
2101 East Coliseum Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499