Species: Common Lizard (Lacerta vivipara)
Family: True Lizards (LACERTIDAE)
Category: Reptiles
Location: Widespread
A. Reptiles
More extensive information on reptiles can be found in a separate blog post.
B. True Lizards (LACERTIDAE)
The hedgehogs in the cemetery are predators of reptiles, but lizards make full use of their alertness, speed, and ability to hide in narrow spaces. They are happy in sun or shade, their scaly skin ensures they don’t have the problems of moisture loss that amphibians have, but damp, shady places are still important to them because they prefer to deposit their young in such places. Lizards are carnivores.
C. Common Lizard (Lacerta vivipara)
The Common Lizard is very variable in colour and markings, usually green or brown on the back, with light or dark spots, lines or flecks. The snout is distinctly pointed. It is a speedy carnivore, subsisting on insects, arachnids, and other invertebrates. The Common Lizard gives birth to live young in July or August, and as neither parent gives any parental care the young must fend for themselves. It is important, therefore, to keep out of shady places where young lizards may be hiding. Lizards slough their skins more than once a year, so their movements can be tracked to a certain extent from these. They also have brittle tails, so should not be handled. If a tail is found it may indicate a hedgehog attack, but a new tail will normally grow.
Images
Common Lizard
It is a speedy carnivore, subsisting on insects, arachnids, and other invertebrates. Twelve common lizards were introduced into the Cemetery in late September 2020.
Common Lizard
The Common Lizard gives birth to live young in July or August, and as neither parent gives any parental care the young must fend for themselves.
Common Lizard
Lizards slough their skins more than once a year, so their movements can be tracked to a certain extent from these.
