Common Lizard ~ viviparous lizard or common lizard (Zootoca vivipara, formerly Lacerta vivipara) Eurasian lizard
Common Lizard basking in the sun. In the southern parts of its distribution range the species lives at high elevations, occurring as high as 3,000 metres in the Alps. In these areas the viviparous lizard lives in damp places or near water, including meadows, swamps, rice fields, by brooks and in damp forests. In the northern part of the range the species is also found in lowlands, where it occurs in drier environments, including open woodland, meadows, moorland, heathland, fens, dunes, rocks, roadsides, hedgerows and gardens. It lives mainly on the ground, although it may climb onto rocks, logs and low-growing vegetation. [edit] Behaviour The viviparous lizard feeds on invertebrates, mostly small insects. It shakes larger prey in its jaws before chewing it and swallowing it whole. In early spring, late autumn, and cool summer days it basks in the sun to reach its optimum body temperature, which is about 30°C. The lizard mates in April or May. Males take females in their jaws before mating – if the female is not interested, she will bite the male fiercely. The offspring develops for approximately three months inside the female. The name of the species is derived from its ability to give birth to live young, an adaptation to a cool climate – but some southern populations are oviparous (egg-laying). The 3-10 young (or eggs) are usually produced in July. The blackish young measure about 3 cm, and when first born are surrounded by egg membrane, from which they break free after about a day. Males reach sexual maturity at two years old, females at three years old. Individuals from viviparous and oviparous populations may be hybridised, but with significant embryonic malformation (Heulin et al. 1989). In northern regions viviparous lizards begin hibernation in September or October, underground or in log piles. Hibernation ends about mid-February. Further south the species is active throughout the year.
Size: 4000px × 2100px
Location: North Yorkshire Skipwith common england
Photo credit: © Clare Scott / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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