Sand lizard  (Lacerta agilis)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

The sand lizard is larger than the common lizard, and somewhat stockier. Sand lizards have an attractive pattern of dark spots with light centres (ocelli), over a background of brown or grey. Males develop vivid green flanks in the breeding season (April to May). Juveniles are a more uniform brown, with distinct ocelli. There is some regional variation in appearance between animals from the north of England and those in the south, which are darker overall.

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