European Wall Lizards do eat plants. While their primary diet consists of small invertebrates, they are also known to consume fruits and berries. This diverse diet contributes to their success as invasive species in many areas.
One of the reasons why European Wall Lizards are successful invaders is their ability to adapt to different food sources. They have a wide range of prey items they can consume, including insects, spiders, earthworms, snails, and even small vertebrates such as other lizards or baby birds. This flexibility allows them to exploit different food resources in their environment, increasing their chances of survival and successful establishment in new habitats.
In addition to their insectivorous diet, European Wall Lizards have been observed consuming plant matter. They are known to eat fruits, berries, and occasionally even flowers. This behavior is particularly evident during the warmer months when fruits and berries are abundant. It is believed that this opportunistic feeding on plant matter provides the lizards with additional nutrients and energy.
I have personally observed European Wall Lizards feeding on fruits in my garden. I have a small strawberry patch, and during the summer, I often see lizards climbing onto the plants and nibbling on the ripe berries. It’s fascinating to see how they can quickly adapt their feeding behavior and take advantage of available food sources.
The ability to consume plant material is advantageous for European Wall Lizards, especially in environments with fluctuating food availability. In times when their primary prey items are scarce, having the ability to supplement their diet with plants allows them to maintain their energy levels and survive.
Furthermore, the consumption of fruits and berries by European Wall Lizards can also have ecological implications. They may contribute to seed dispersal by ingesting fruits and then dispersing the seeds through their feces. This unintentional role as seed dispersers can potentially impact the plant community composition in invaded areas.
European Wall Lizards are not solely insectivorous but also have the ability to eat plants, including fruits and berries. This dietary flexibility contributes to their success as invasive species, allowing them to adapt to different food resources and increase their chances of survival and establishment in new environments.