Common Lizard - Zootoca vivipara

Alternative names
Viviparous Lizard
Description

Total length: 13-15 cm. One of Britain's three native lizards (along with Sand Lizard and Slowworm). They are variable in colour. Typically, the upper-surface is brownish, with lines of darker markings passing along the back which are often bordered with white or yellow. Males have bright undersides, typically yellow or orange in colour whereas, in contrast, females tend to have much duller, pale underparts.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

It is found at a variety of habitats such as heaths, woodland glades, railway embankments and even gardens.

When to see it

Early spring to late autumn.

Life History

They can often be found basking, particularly in spring. They give birth to around 6-10 live young (or at least the egg sac bursts at birth), hence their alternative name 'Viviparous Lizard'.

UK Status

This species is fairly common and widespread throughout Britain.

VC55 Status

Uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland, but fairly widely scattered across Charnwood Forest and Rutland with a few records in West Leicestershire.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Common Lizard, Viviparous Lizard
Species group:
Reptiles
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Squamata
Family:
Lacertidae
Records on NatureSpot:
118
First record:
01/05/1963 (T.A.W. Kirk)
Last record:
08/09/2023 (Bedford, Frank)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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