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Also known as the European wall lizard, this exotic species was introduced into Cincinnati in 1951 and seems to have become fairly well established.
Unlike snakes, lizards usually have four legs, external ear openings, and movable eyelids. Instead of the snake's single row of ventral scales, lizards have several rows of scales on their undersides. |
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Common Wall Lizard
Podarcis muralis
At-a-Glance
• Number of offspring: 3-11
• Typical Foods: insects, such as flies, beetles, and spiders
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Description
Wall lizards have a somewhat flattened body with long limbs and toes, an angular head, and a prominent jaw. Their backs are green or brown with black blotches. The belly is lighter in color.
Habitat and Habits
Two lizards reportedly were brought to the Cincinnati area from northern Italy by a local resident after a vacation near Milan and were released in a backyard. The lizards now occupy an area slightly larger than two square miles, with population densities of 1,500 per acre in good habitat. Because they have persisted for many years and survived through record-setting severe winters, they are considered permanent residents.
Reproduction and Care of the Young
Mating occurs shortly after hibernation in the spring and the eggs are laid about one month later. Females either bury the eggs or deposit them under a rock. They hatch one month later. No parental care is involved. |
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