 |
Cite sources |
|
This article is in need of reliable sources to back up its facts. Please find a suitable reference and place it here. | |
| Sand Lizard | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Conservational Status | |
| Status | Least Concern [1] |
| IUCN status | 3.1 |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Suborder | Lacertilia |
| Family | Lacertidae |
| Genus | Lacerta |
| Species | L. agilis |
The Sand Lizard, (Lacerta agilis) is a lacerta that inhabits most of Europe. It is the largest species of lizard that inhabits Great Britain, where it is very rare and an offence to touch these lizards without the required licensing.
Description[]
The sand lizard has a light underbelly and a dorsal stripe: males tend to be darker and colour and turn partly or wholly bright green during the mating season. Sand Lizards can reach up to 25 cm (10 in) in length.
Habitat & Distribution[]
In the UK, the sand lizard is restricted to southern heathlands and the coastal sand dunes of north west England. It is regarded as threatened and is strictly protected under UK law – as it is throughout most of Europe (it is a European Protected Species).
Reproduction[]
The female Sand Lizard lays eggs in loose sand in a sunny location, leaving them to be incubated by the warmth of the ground.
Other[]
The UK Herpetological Conservation Trust is the lead partner in the UK Species Action Plan (SAP) for the Sand Lizard.
References[]
- ↑ A. Agasyan et al. (2009). "Lacerta agilis" . IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 3.1. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved May 28, 2012.