Sand Lizard Question

[GuyF]

Hi everyone,
I visited a Sand Lizard spot near me today, I found quite a few lizards including this one.

Would I be right in saying that this is a male, rather than female, Sand Lizard?
And my question is: Is the bright green colour of the males to do with warming up in the sun, or is it a colour that they develop for their breeding season.
I'd thought that they'd be the bright green colour all summer, and turn duller over the winter, however this one's made me think it might be a breeding thing.
Thanks,
Guy

[yellowhammer]

Yeah, that's a male out of breeding colours. If you want 'em bright you really need to catch 'em in May or thereabouts. Nice shot!

[demicav]

That's an excellent picture.

[GuyF]

Thanks for answering my question Ian, I was lucky enough to catch them in their full breeding colours earlier in the year, they really were amazingly colourful. Today there were 1 or 2 still with a hint of green on them, but nothing like a few months ago.
And thanks Demicav, I was using my zoom lens today so I didn't have to try sneaking up on them, it was much easier!
Guy

[Scrumpy]

Originally Posted by demicav

That's an excellent picture.

Agree with demicav - thanks for showing.

David

[GuyF]

Thanks for the comment David, it's great living close to these lizards.
Guy

[Gue Jam Fowsid]

I love the way lizards follow you with their eyes as you move in closer for a better shot. This one seems to be looking at the potential threat too. Nice pic.