Higher classification Lacerta | Phylum Chordata Scientific name Lacerta bilineata Rank Species | |
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Similar Lacerta, Reptile, European green lizard, Podarcis muralis, Lacertids | ||
The western green lizard (Lacerta bilineata) is a wall lizard of the Lacertidae family.
Contents
Etymology
The genus name Lacerta and the species name bilineata are Latin words respectively meaning “lizard” and “with two lines”, with reference to the pale lines present on the flanks of the young individuals.
Subspecies
Distribution
It is found in Andorra, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Monaco, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, on Jersey in the British Isles, and the United States.
Description
Lacerta bilineata reach an average length (excluding tail) of about 13 centimetres (5.1 in), with a maximum of 40 centimetres (16 in), including tail. Their tail may reach up to twice the body length. The average weight is about 35 grams. The body is bright green. The head is bigger in males than in females and the males often show a blue throat. Juveniles are almost brown, with a yellowish belly and 2-4 pale longitudinal lines along the flanks. Also sub adults have said lines, together with several small brown spots on their backs.
These lizards are territorial animals. They feed on arthropods, mainly on large insects. Sexual maturity is reached around two years, when they are about 8 cm long (excluding tail). The males fight each other, especially in the mating period, when they are very aggressive towards rivals. The mating ritual is very precise, and it starts with a bite to the base of the tail of the female. The females lay 6 to 25 eggs in a humid and warm site, such as rotting logs. The average life span of this species is about 15 years.
Habitat
Its natural habitats are green humid areas, temperate forest, the edges of woods, shrubland, open grassland, arable land, and pastureland. It is threatened by habitat loss.