The viviparous lizard is Ireland's only lizard and is quite common in a number of dry habitats. It is yellowish-brown in colour with irregular black markings along the length of the body.

SPECIES DESCRIPTION: The viviparous lizard, Ireland's only lizard, is usually a yellowish-brown colour with irregular dark markings along the entire length of its body. However, its colour can be variable with both grey and green specimens having been seen. The underside of the males is covered with dark spots which may not be so pronounced in females and the throat is white. There is also large variation in the colour of the belly with whites, yellows, oranges or reds being reported. The vivaparous lizard is long-bodied with very short legs, a small, rounded head and a thick tail. The collar is obviously serrated and the scales on the back are quite coarse and keeled. Females are generally larger than males measuring about 20cm (compared to 13cm in the male). The young are produced live and not from eggs as is normal with reptiles, and range in number from two to ten. On being grabbed by the tail the lizard can escape by detaching itself from its tail.

KEY IDENTIFICATION FEATURES:

• Dry scaly skin
  
• Yellowish-brown with a long tail
  

© Jon Russ 2001. Text refereed by Angela Ross & Lynne Rendle.

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