The common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) is a species of lizard with a large distribution in Europe and well-established introduced populations in North America, where it is also called the European wall lizard. Northern Map Turtle. Eastern Musk Turtle. Their backs are green or brown with black blotches. Reptiles. It … The stomach is lighter in color. Snapping Turtle. A single lizard species is the only introduced species in the state, however, many species of turtles have been and continue to be liberated in Ohio, but these represent nonbreeding populations. Red-eared Slider. Projects such as these collect data on population size, occurrence, and rate of spread. Actually, these highly adaptive lizards aren't reliant on "walls" or rocks as the common name may imply. Cincinnati, Ohio 25221-0006, USA. Ouachita Turtle. Instead, they inhabit a wide range of habitats from coastal plains to high altidude mountain areas and even established strong populations in human settlements and big cities. Wall lizards have a somewhat flattened body with long limbs and toes, an angular head and a prominent jaw. Ohio is home to 42 native reptile species: 12 turtles, 5 lizards, and 25 snakes. The European common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) was introduced in Cincinnati, Ohio (USA) circa 1950; a population now exists in southeastern urban Cincinnati covering an area of more than 6 km² with an expanding tendency. Sighting reports from around the community will give us a better idea of where they occur. Eastern Box Turtle. Podarcis muralis . One reason to do so is that both are home to a reptile known as the common wall lizard. The non-native lizards are now found in pockets throughout much of Cincinnati and parts of the adjoining states of Kentucky and Indiana. Yet, they could be somehow regarded as a synanthropic species. They are so common in Europe that they've been dubbed the common wall lizard. A lizard is a reptile, as are snakes, turtles, crocodiles and alligators. They are even found in the UK although almost all the colonies are known to be introductions and even the one or two whose origins are unknown are unlikely to be native. The first time that I saw a Wall Lizard in Cincinnati, it was only for an instant as it ran across the walkway in front of me. Sceloporous undulatus: Ground Skink. They are animals with a body covered with dry skin or scales who mostly lay eggs, all on land, and breathe air with lungs. There are many different sub-species of Wall Lizard which, between them, are widespread throughout Europe. The wall lizard and house gecko projects are important for managing this ongoing invasion. Total Length: 7” Description: Superficially resembles a skink, but does not have shiny scales. Milan, Italy, and Cincinnati, Ohio, are seldom mentioned in the same sentence. Scinella lateralis They are usually darker on the sides with … Blanding’s Turtle. Common Wall Lizard. Scientific Name: Podarcis muralis Status: Introduced Distribution: This species was introduced to southwestern Ohio. The European wall lizards mostly feed on insects which mean they no doubt compete with one or more of our four lizard and skink species (order Squamata, suborder Lacertilia) native to Ohio. Common Wall Lizard of Ohio Posted on June 2, 2014 by exploringwithgrace My dad’s (Mike) friend (Another Mike) had a common wall lizard in the back of his truck and we got it in a cage, Still thinking of a name. Midland Painted Turtle. The common (or viviparous) lizard is most frequently seen on commons, heaths, moorland, dry stone walls, embankments and sea cliffs around the British Isles. Northern Fence Lizard. Hedeen and Hedeen (1999) report the present status and the role of railroad tracks in the natural expansion of the population. It can grow to about 20 cm (7.9 in) in total length. Sometimes referred to locally as “Lazarus lizards,” the common wall lizards were brought to eastern Cincinnati from northern Italy by a local resident after a vacation near Milan and were released in a backyard.