Catalonian wall lizard (Podarcis liolepis)
Lizards · Difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge
Key facts and care guidance for Catalonian wall lizard (Podarcis liolepis) (origin: North-eastern Spain and southern France). Adult size around 16–20 cm. Life expectancy 5–10 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Catalonian wall lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
100×50×60 cm for a group.
Catalonian wall lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–30 °C, basking spot Basking spot 38–45 °C, at night 12–18 °C.
Catalonian wall lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0 — these species bask for hours).
Catalonian wall lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 5–10 years.
Catalonian wall lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
Partly – manageable with some prior knowledge (difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 12–18 °C
- Basking spot
- Basking spot 38–45 °C
- Humidity
- 40–60 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0 — these species bask for hours)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 100×50×60 cm for a group
- Substrate
- A sand-loam mix with stone slabs, a dry-stone wall and a few plants
Feeding
- Food
- Crickets, house crickets, roaches, wax moths and the occasional fruit, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins
- Feeding interval
- adults 3–4×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 16–20 cm
- Life expectancy
- 5–10 years
- Origin
- North-eastern Spain and southern France
- Protection status
- Bern Convention Appendix II — proof of origin required
- Brumation
- A winter rest of 10–14 weeks at 5–10 °C — without it there is no breeding and a markedly shorter life
- Cohabitation
- A pair (1.1) is the least complicated option, a harem (1.2 or 1.3) also works - never house males together. Otherwise rivals fight continually over territory and the basking spot until one is injured or permanently driven off; females usually get along but need their own warm spots and hides.
Notes
Split off from the hispanicus complex.
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Related species
- Aeolian wall lizard (Podarcis raffonei) – Expert
- Erhard's wall lizard (Podarcis erhardii) – Beginner to intermediate
- Lilford's wall lizard (Podarcis lilfordi) – Expert
- Bocage's wall lizard (Podarcis bocagei) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Carbonell's wall lizard (Podarcis carbonelli) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Geniez's wall lizard (Podarcis virescens) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Guadarrama wall lizard (Podarcis guadarramae) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Ionian wall lizard (Podarcis ionicus) – Beginner with some knowledge
What you need to start
To keep Catalonian wall lizard (Podarcis liolepis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×60 cm for a group), substrate (A sand-loam mix with stone slabs, a dry-stone wall and a few plants), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podarcis, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Podarcis&species=liolepis
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).