Log in Register

Male common wall lizard

Its coloration is dominated by shades of brown and grey, but some specimens have a greenish hue. Bright blue dots ornament the edge of the belly in breeding males.

(Photo: Dávid Brankovits)

The COMMON WALL LIZARD has a flat body with flat elongate head. Total (body+tail) length up to 20 cm.  Markings extremely variable, especially in urban areas where animals from elsewhere in its range may have become established following the release of pets or accidental transport amongst freight. In some regions completely black individuals occur.

Back, sides and legs of males generally greyish-brown with dark and off-white speckles, and an orange belly with black spots. During breeding season males have light blue dots on the lower flank. Females are duller in pattern: ground colour light brown, with a thin black mid-dorsal line that may break up, dark brown flanks and off-white or pinkish belly. Young similar to females, but somewhat greenish.

Distibution map by our National Herpetological Mapping Program:

Common wall lizard portrait

During the breeding season the throat and belly in males turn orange and the edge of the belly has bright blue dots.

(Photo: Bálint Halpern)

Basking male common wall lizard

Often found on warm rocks and concrete walls, even in cities with dense human populations.

(Photo: Bálint Halpern)

Common wall lizard on the watch 

Always alert, ready to flee. Often observed as watching out for danger.

(Photo: Bálint Halpern)

Male common wall lizard basking on tree trunk

Do not look for these lizards high up in the vegetation! However, they occur also on forest egde habitats.

(Photo: Dávid Brankovits)

Portrait of common wall lizard

Brown, grey and their shades dominate their coloration.

(Photo: Gábor Szelényi)

Male common wall lizard

The throat and belly is often orange of males during the breeding season. Note the blue spots on the edge of the belly!

(Photo: Gábor Szelényi)

Common wall lizard

Prefers to bask near cracks of walls and rocks, where quickly retreats in danger.

(Photo: Gábor Szelényi)

Young common wall lizard

The pattern and coloration of young is similar to that of the adults.

(Photo: Tibor Sós)

Basking common wall lizard

Appears also in urban environment. Often seen on walls and fences. .

(Photo: Bálint Halpern)