Reptile · GBIF taxon 2468999
Dalmatian Wall Lizard
Podarcis melisellensisAlso known as Adriatic Wall Lizard, Karst Wall Lizard
Dalmatian wall lizards display remarkable throat color polymorphism, with males sporting vivid orange, yellow, or white underbellies that correlate with distinct territorial strategies. They spend their days darting across sun-warmed stone walls and karst formations in search of insects, relying on explosive bursts of speed to evade predators. During the spring breeding season, males vigorously show off their bright colors to signal dominance and attract potential mates.
ReptileSun-LovingAgile
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Beetles
- Spiders
- Ants
Predators
- Birds of Prey
- Snakes
- Domestic Cats
ThreatsCoastal development, habitat fragmentation, and predation by feral cats
HabitatsRocky outcrops, stone walls, Mediterranean scrub, and pastureland
Life span4–8 years
Classification
- FamilyLacertidae
- SpeciesPodarcis melisellensis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Approach Quietly: Move slowly to avoid alarming them with sudden shadows or ground vibrations.
- Look for Sunspots: Scan dry stone walls and rocky crevices on warm sunny mornings.
Image unavailableCompetitor 
Predator (c) Benny Trapp, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative Mariomassone / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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