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Catalonian Wall Lizard
Podarcis liolepis
Silhouette: Alex Slavenko · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassSquamata
- FamilyLacertidae (Wall Lizards)
- GenusPodarcis
- SpeciesPodarcis liolepis (Catalonian Wall Lizard)
In 3 days ~80% in a week >90%
294 Verified sightings at Barcelona
266 In all 5 parks From 2019 to 2026
October Best month
☀️ Diurnal When it's spotted
About the Catalonian Wall Lizard
Podarcis liolepis, the Columbretes wall lizard or Catalan wall lizard, is very similar to the other lizards in the genus Podarcis. This species was formerly described as a subspecies of the Iberian wall lizard, but has now been elevated to species status. These are slender lizards with long tails, narrow tapered heads and long thin toes, and stout legs. Colours are variable, although generally grey-brown. Often very subtle spots and stripes along the back and flanks can be seen and these can be more distinguished in the female. The underside is a much lighter cream or beige with sometimes a reddish tint. Adults grow 15–20 cm in length from the nose to tip of the tail. Body length can be a little as one third of the total body length, the tail making up the other two thirds.
Lifespan around 4–5 years. Sexual maturity is reached in their second year. Breeding takes place in spring after they wake from winter hibernation. 1-5 eggs are laid, each around 5x9mm, in cracks in rocks or under stones. During development the eggs swell and after 8 weeks when ready to hatch they can be 8x15mm in size. They hatch out around early July.
They are found in the north... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Catalonian Wall Lizard in Barcelona
LIVEiNaturalistGlobal Distribution
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cévennes National Park | 🇫🇷 France | |
| 2 | Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park | 🇪🇸 Spain | |
| 3 | Sierra Nevada National Park | 🇪🇸 Spain | |
| 4 | Aigüestortes National Park | 🇪🇸 Spain | |
| 5 | Pyrénées National Park | 🇫🇷 France |
Closest Relatives at Barcelona
Before you go
What are the chances of seeing a Catalonian Wall Lizard in Barcelona?
Likely
About 40% of wildlife watchers report a Catalonian Wall Lizard sighting in Barcelona on a given day, based on 294 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data. It is the 2nd most-seen of the 11 reptiles we can rate there. Over three days the chance rises to about 80%, and over a week to over 90%, if each day is a fresh chance.
When is the best time to see a Catalonian Wall Lizard in Barcelona?
October
In that month about 60% of wildlife watchers report a Catalonian Wall Lizard in Barcelona on a given day, against about 20% in December, the lowest month. That is one of Barcelona's wettest months, with about 95 mm of rain against 35 mm in December.
What time of day is best to see a Catalonian Wall Lizard?
Between 11 am and 2 pm
Across all the parks we cover, that three-hour window holds the most Catalonian Wall Lizard sightings with a recorded time, and about 8 in 10 of them come between 6 am and 6 pm: it is a daytime animal.
Is Barcelona the best place to see a Catalonian Wall Lizard?
Yes
Of the 2 cities where we can rate Catalonian Wall Lizard sightings, Barcelona has the highest daily chance: about 40%. Next come Valencia (Spain, about 20%).
Where does the Catalonian Wall Lizard sighting chance come from?
GBIF citizen-science records
It is estimated from how often the Catalonian Wall Lizard is recorded against all the reptiles logged in Barcelona (294 verified sightings), calibrated against known sighting rates. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10% because citizen-science data supports honest approximations, not decimals, and months with records from fewer than five people show "—". How it works.
