|
|
| Fact File |
 |
 |
- Typical adult is 15cm nose to
tail.
- Usually a shade of brown, but
variations include yellow, green and black.
- Patterns of spots and/or stripes
down the back are common. Males have a yellow/orange
belly with black spots whereas females
have a pale, un-spotted belly.
- Fairly widespread but thought to
be declining.
- Lizards are protected by law from deliberate
killing, injury and trade/sale.
|
|
Photos (clockwise from left): Sivi
Sivanesan/Froglife, Andrew Frost, Laura Brady/Froglife |
The common (or viviparous) lizard can
be seen on embankments, dry-stone walls, sea cliffs, heaths,
commons and moorland all over the UK; it’s the only species of
reptile native to Ireland. Sometimes newts can be mistaken for
lizards as they can be a similar size and colour but a close
inspection shows the lizards scaly, rather than smooth, skin;
lizards also move away very quickly when disturbed.
Lizards spend most of their time basking in sunny, open spaces
close to cover.
| Adult lizards emerge from their hibernation sites in
early spring. Mating takes place around April. |
| Females
incubate the eggs inside themselves and ‘give birth’ to
up to 11 live young around July/August. Juvenile lizards
are tiny - less than 5cm long - and are darker in colour
than the adults.
|
|
Lizards spend the next couple of months feeding up on
invertebrates in preparation for winter. They feed on
worms, slugs and insects and give their prey a good
shake, to stun it, before swallowing. |
|
Common lizards hibernate, often in groups, amongst rocks
or dead wood generally between November and March. They
may take advantage of milder patches of weather to come
out and forage. |
Loss of habitat.
Frequently asked questions about
lizards.
Check out our
lizard gallery on Facebook.
|