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So far two species of non-native lizard have been identified in
the wild in the UK.
The wall lizard Podarcis muralis is native to northern,
central and southern continental Europe. This sun-loving lizard
has become established in various places in England. The adults
grow up to 20cm (larger than our native lizards). They are
variable in colouration and marking but usually have a pattern
of prominent black spots, mottling or stripes over a brown, grey
or green background. The head is larger and limbs longer than
our native lizards.
The green lizard Lacerta bilineata is native to much of
continental Europe and Jersey and is now established in some
parts of southern England. Climate change could see other
incidents of
successful breeding in the UK. Adults grow up to 35cm, making it
by far the largest lizard seen in Britain. They're conspicuously
green, unlikely to be confused with other species.
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