The common lizard (Zootoca vivipara) is the most common of the UK’s three native lizards. It is often seen quickly scuttling away from human disturbance in dry, open habitats such as heaths.
Identification
If you see a lizard in the UK, it is highly likely to be a common lizard. Slow worms are legless lizards so it is impossible to confuse the two species. And while it would be possible for an inexperienced reptile spotter to mistake a common lizard for a sand lizard, sand lizards are exceptionally rare and unlikely to be encountered. Sand lizards are much larger, broader, have a more-stubby snout and are often bright green! (Although, young male common lizards can sometimes be green as well!)
Common lizards are very lively lizards and will often run away before they are spotted. Males and females are similar in appearance, usually small and brown! They do vary in colour to grey, green and juveniles are black. Females usually have darker lateral markings, a dark ventral stripe and a yellow or pale underside. Males are more finely marked and have a darker orange underside. Males also have a wider head than females but the bodies of females are generally fatter. Adult lizards can grow to 15cm long (including the tail).
Common lizards are often found with short stubby tails as they drop their tails when threatened. The detached tails continue to wriggle which distracts the predator, allowing the lizard to escape.
Habitat
Common lizards can be found in a range of habitats, both in the uplands and lowlands. They are usually found in open habitats with opportunities for basking such as road and railway embankments, heathland, open woodland, sand dunes and grasslands. As with all reptiles, south facing banks and slopes are favoured in order to maximise basking opportunities.
Basking sites are often returned to on a regular basis, so if you hear a lizard run into the undergrowth before you can spot it, return to the same spot 10-15 minutes later and the lizard is likely to have returned. Look for sheltered patches of ground with good exposure to the sun. Approach facing the sun to avoid casting a shadow onto the lizards for a better chance of finding them.
Distribution
Common lizards are found further north than any other reptile. They can be found throughout the UK and Ireland where it is the only native reptile. They are absent from most Scottish islands and the Channel Islands, however, they are well established across mainland Scotland.
What Do Common Lizards Get Up to Throughout the Year?
October to February/March: The hibernation period is from October to February/March. During this time, the lizards stay inactive, remaining alone underground or in deep leaf litter. Common lizards are one of the coldest tolerant reptiles. Wet rather than cold winters cause fatalities for this species.
April to March: Breeding takes place soon after emerging from hibernation. Males frequently chase and fight each other during this time.
March to August: Egg development takes approximately three months during which the females become noticeably swollen. The young are born in July and August. Females lay transparent capsules of 5-9 ‘eggs’ from which the black young hatchlings emerge.
August to October:
The lizards fatten up before going into hibernation. They eat a range of invertebrates including flies, centipedes, spiders and earthworms. They obtain most of their water via their food.
Population Trends
As with much of our wildlife, populations have declined in recent years. This population decline is particularly evident in southern counties of England where numbers have significantly reduced in some areas. Habitat loss and fragmentation are thought to be contributing factors, particularly through urbanisation and agricultural intensification. Common Lizards are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, and classified as a Priority Species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. However, few sites are specifically managed for the species.
Check out the video below where an expert from the national reptile and amphibian conservation charity discusses the natural history, conservation and threats to survival of common lizards.
Back to our Reptile Species Guides
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