Common wall lizard France

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		Common Wall Lizard ~~ Podarcis Muralis ~~ Lézard des Murailles (other sub species: P.brogniardii & P.merremia) (syn. Française, Lézard gris)



		By far the most common lizard in France, the Lézard des Murailles is extremely varied in colour depending on region and locality, rarely exceeding 20 cm it has an elongated appearance, largely as a result of its thin tail, which can be half, or more, of its total length. Males tend to be more colourful than females, which are often a drab brown.


		Wall lizard, Podarcis muralis, France
		Represented in all regions of France, it prefers open, sunny areas with little vegetation, old stone walls, quarries, roadsides and tracks, frequently to be seen near to old houses where they can be seen scurrying away when approached. Superb climbers, they also swim with ease and can sometimes be seen lying in warm, shallow pools.

		Common wall lizard, France	Wall lizard eating prey, France.
		Hibernation is from November until March / April and is often interrupted during warmer spells. Breeding starts immediately after hibernation with frequent combats between males, females lay between 2 and 10 eggs, up to three times in a season, in soft soil or under rocks, these hatch after about 2 months. The eggs are oval, about 10 mm and soft when first laid, swelling up to 15 mm.

		Although common in many regions it has full protection in France and is mentioned in the National Liste Rouge.