Common Lizard
colours
Description
Adults have a rather slender body with an angular pointed snout. The basic colour varies but brownish hues are usual. Viewed from above a vertebral row of dark spots and patches are visible and parallel rows of dark markings are visible on the flanks, the latter bordered above by a row of pale spots. Some individuals have a greenish or even reddish flush to the head and anterior part of the body which can be quite extensive. A mature male has bright yellow or orange under-parts studded with dark spots whereas the female’s belly is usually paler in colour and unspotted.
Primary Image
Scientific Name
Newly referred to as Zootoca vivipara more widely known as Lacerta vivipara
Distribution
The more widespread of out two native limbed lizards it is found in almost all mainland counties in Britain and Ireland but locations tend to be fragmented and patchily distributed.
Life Span
12 years has been recorded.
Habitat
These lizards are often found in open habitats, notably heathlands, moors, open woodland, sand dunes, sea cliffs, hedgebanks and sparse natural grassland. They prefer areas with free draining soils and a sunny aspect – habitat features which also benefit their invertebrate prey. Common Lizards are also found on man –made habitats such as brownfield sites, railways embankments, motorway/ road verges. Often entirely absent in areas of land with intensive agricultural management
Length
10-15cm – 6.5cm from snout to vent
Confusion Species
Reproduction
Courtship occurs shortly after emergence from hibernation. The fertilised eggs then develop within the female for a gestation period of around 3 months the female will bask extensively during this period to aid the development of the young. After this period she gives birth to between 4 and 10 wriggling young which for the first few hours of life are constrained by a thin membrane – a sharp egg-tooth allows them to break free.
Also Known As
Diet
Behaviour
Common Lizards are sun-loving animals and frequently bask in the sunshine, especially in the Spring or Autumn. Occasionally animals will bask out in the open on bare ground but more often a lizard will use a log pile or a pile of debris an easy escape route will always be present for the basking animal. Lizards are extremely alert and active and often missed as a result. Like Other reptiles, these lizards hibernate in their case this is usually from October to early April hibernation sites include underground burrows, and cracks and crevices in rocks or log piles.
Status
This species is now a priority species within the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and has associated conservation targets.
It is also protected from killing, injuring or taking by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)