One such reptile is called the Common Wall Lizard (scientific name: Podarcis muralis) which happens to be a small, quick-moving lizard distributed in Europe and some parts of Asia. They are well-suited to life in sunny rocky environments and often seen basking on walls, rocks or trees.
A Colorful Creature
The coloration of the Common Wall Lizard varies widely from brown and gray to brilliant shades or green, blue This range in coloration can be due to a number of things, including sex or age but also seems to fluctuate depending on where the species is found. During the breeding season males often have bright colouration in common with many male bird species (this is true for a large number of birds, too), meant to attract females and intimidate rivals.
A Nimble Hunter
Diet: Carnivorous and preys mostly on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. They seem a bit more agile than cats and move quick like a rocket against their pray. They have very large, forked tongues, which they use to collect and sample evidence of prey.
A Hardy Survivor
Common Wall Lizards are a highly adaptable species with various climatic records across Europe. This fact explains why they are able to thrive in not only warm, Mediterranean climes but cooler ones too. Their basic ability to bask and seek shade in order to regulate their body temperature gives tegus a unique advantage that allows them opportunities for success in such varying conditions.
A Beneficial Species
Wall Lizards are useful for eating insects. They eat a lot of different types of insect pests and so help to keep the ecosystem balanced. They are also hunted as prey by many predators such birds, snakes and large lizards.
Conservation Concerns
The common wall lizard is not endangered on an international scale but they have threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and the introduction of non-native species. Conservation of their habitats, reduction in the use of pesticides and awareness creation on ecological role play for these lizards is needed to safe-guard them.