Viviparous lizard  (Lacerta vivipara)

Species information

Videos and images

Authentication

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact: arkive@wildscreen.org.uk

Glossary

  • Hibernation: a winter survival strategy characteristic of some mammals in which an animal's metabolic rate slows down and a state of deep sleep is attained. Whilst hibernating, animals survive on stored reserves of fat that they have accumulated in summer. In insects, the correct term for hibernation is 'diapause', a temporary pause in development and growth. Any stage of the lifecycle (eggs, larvae, pupae or adults) may enter diapause, which is typically associated with winter.
  • Poikilothermic: animals in which the body temperature changes depending on the temperature of their surroundings.

References

  1. National Biodiversity Network Species Dictionary (January 2003): http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nbn/
  2. Beebee, T & Griffiths, R. (2000) The New Naturalist: Amphibians and reptiles- a natural history of the British herpetofauna. Harper Collins Publishers, London.
  3. The Environment Agency (1998) 'Look-up' chart of species and their legal status. Species and Habitats Handbook. The Environment Agency, Bristol.
  4. The Herpetological Conservation Trust. Common lizard fact-sheet. (January 2003): http://www.hcontrst.f9.co.uk
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