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The Common Lizard (Lacerta [Zootoca] vivipara)

Common or Viviparous Lizard (Zootoca vivipara)

Also known as the Viviparous Lizard as it has live young, this widespread lizard is the small, very quick brown lizard most frequently seen on commons, heaths, moorland, dry stone walls, embankments and sea cliffs around the British Isles. It is the only species of reptile native to the island of Ireland. It is widespread throughout Europe and indeed its range extends into the Arctic circle. Typical adult size is approx 15cm (including its tail) and coloration is commonly some shade of brown with patterns of spots or stripes. Unusual colour variations are not uncommon, everything from yellow through various shades of green to jet black are encountered.

The Common Lizard likes open sunny places, hence the typical habitats described above and is usually found in dry situations although it is strangely a great fan of boggy wet heaths. It feeds predominantly on spiders and insects, and gives birth to tiny jet black live young in August which gradually turn a copper colour before growing up into the typical adult coloration.

Common Lizards are protected by law in Great Britain against being killed, injured or sold or traded in any way. In Northern Ireland they are fully protected, this prohibiting killing, injuring, capturing, disturbance, possession or trade.