Podarcis muralis
For some years I have been hoping to catch a glimpse of this beautifully coloured and patterned lizard on the Bournemouth seafront. I was not expecting to find anything on this particularly overcast day as I walked along the Bournemouth promenade, but not many minutes after crossing into the Poole section of the seafront I spied one, basking in what little sunlight there was, hiding in thin grass atop a stone wall.
It is a medium-sized lizard growing up to 180mm (7in) long, including the tail, which makes up about two-thirds of its overall length. It is a very agile lizard, as I saw for myself when it scurried for cover after a few minutes, only to return to the same spot not long after. Compared to native species of lizard, it can be seen running up vertical faces of walls or rock surfaces. It only inhabits a few coastal sites, and it is often associated with man-made structures, especially stone walls. It is also found on cliff faces, often basking in the sun. It is presumed to be an introduced species to mainland Britain, where it is native to Jersey in the Channel Isles.
Photographs of Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis), taken August 2016, along Bournemouth/Poole seafront promenade, Dorset. © Pete Hillman 2016. Camera used Nikon D3200, with Nikon 70-300mm telephoto zoom lens.
I usually find lizards kind of creepy, but this one almost looks like a walking mosaic. The colors are striking.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comment. Their colours do really catch the eye.
LikeLiked by 1 person
aw i love him or her? hahaa what luck you have! talk about the right place at the right time! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂 I was lucky to spot him, and even luckier to get the few shots in before he ran off a second time!
LikeLiked by 1 person
well not sure if ive told you this already but you have a great eye! you must be pretty quick to capture the shots you get too! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have a soft spot for lizards and enjoy their company. Sadly we have none near where we live, too high and too cool. I’ll have to enjoy yours second-hand. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t seen any lizards around here locally, but finding this one on holiday last week was a big 🙂 moment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fab post! Had to ping you 😀 https://zoomologyblog.wordpress.com/2017/08/12/common-wall-lizards-basking-in-basque-country/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person