Species of the Month April 2022

Common Lizard (Zootoca vivipara)

 

The Common Lizard is a widespread reptile which emerges in spring after hibernation. It is 10-15 cm in length, and is generally brownish grey with spots and lines on the back. There are some rare black individuals, which you can read about in our Spring 2021 newsletter.

Aside from the legless Slow-worm, Common Lizard is the only lizard species likely to be found in south east Wales. There is a small population of Wall Lizards (Podarcis muralis) just over the border in Bristol, and scattered populations on Sand Lizard (Lacerta agilis) on north Wales coastal dune systems but neither are found in Gwent or Glamorgan.

Lizards can be spotted basking in the sun during sunny weather. They will select the warmest surface to rest on, so can be spotted on walls, vegetation and even rubbish such as discarded tyres. You can find more information and photos of Common Lizards from Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust and Froglife.

Common Lizards are present throughout south east Wales, but we only hold 2179 records at SEWBReC; you can view the Wales wide distribution on Aderyn.

If you spot a Common Lizard during April (or at any other time of year), please send us the record, ideally via SEWBReCORD or the LERC Wales App. Instructions on how to submit records are available here.