Western Green Lizard - Lacerta bilineata
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Short description of Lacerta bilineata, Western Green Lizard
Grows up to 40cm. Hatchlings brown, becoming green sprinkled with black. Some males, especially older ones, have a blue throat or head, especially in spring. Amount of black increases with age. Two light-coloured dorsal stripes may be visible in some animals.
Impact summary: Lacerta bilineata, Western Green Lizard
Unknown. May compete with native lizards and/or consume their juveniles. Possibly a vector of reptile paramyxovirus.
Habitat summary: Lacerta bilineata, Western Green Lizard
Scrubby grassland, dunes, coastal heaths, woodland edges etc. The GB population lives on scrubby, south-facing cliffs.
Overview table
Environment | Terrestrial |
---|---|
Species status | Non-Native |
Native range | Andorra, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Monaco, Slovenia, Channel Is. |
Functional type | Predator |
Status in England | Non-Native |
Status in Scotland | Non-Native |
Status in Wales | Non-Native |
Location of first record | Isle of Wight |
Date of first record | 1899 |
Origin
Native to parts of west and southwest Europe. GB animals may originate from Jersey, Channel Islands (where it is native).
First Record
Many unsuccessful introductions from nineteenth century (e.g. to Isle of Wight in 1899). Current colony at Boscombe first recorded 2003, probably introduced around 2000 (possibly on several occasions).
Pathway and Method
Deliberately released in order to establish the colony.
Species Status
Probably spreading locally along south coast cliffs. Introduced also to Guernsey (from Jersey) and to Topeka, Kansas, USA. A colony was present in the Burren, Ireland, but this may no longer persist.
Dispersal Mechanisms
Deliberate introduction/s to intentionally establish colony or colonies.
Reproduction
Up to ca. 20 eggs laid in loose sand or amongst vegetation from late May. Hatching occurs August-September.
Known Predators/Herbivores
Avian predators and domestic dogs/cats.
Resistant Stages
None.
Habitat Occupied in GB
Scrubby, coastal south-facing cliffs and adjacent clifftops.
Currently from Boscombe pier eastwards to Southbourne area (Borough of Bournemouth, Dorset).
Environmental Impact
Unknown. Thought to predate and compete with native lizards (including possibly sand lizards) where the species meet. May be a vector of reptile paramyxovirus (the effects of this disease in GB are under study, including vector species).
Health and Social Impact
None known.
Economic Impact
None known.
Identification
Inns, H. (2009) Britain’s reptiles and amphibians. Wildguides, Old Basing.
Biology, ecology, spread, vectors
Arnold, H.R. (1995) Atlas of amphibians and reptiles in Britain. HMSO, London.
Frazer, D. (1983) Reptiles and Amphibians in Britain. Collins New Naturalist, London.
Inns, H. (2009) Britain’s reptiles and amphibians. Wildguides, Old Basing.
Management and impact
General
Inns, H. (2009) Britain’s reptiles and amphibians. Wildguides, Old Basing.
Frazer, D. (1983) Reptiles and Amphibians in Britain. Collins New Naturalist, London.
https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/nonnativespecies/downloadDocument.cfm?id=1380
Spotted this species?
Distribution map
View the Distribution map for Western Green Lizard, Lacerta bilineata from NBN Atlas
ID Sheet
ID Sheet for Lacerta bilineata . See a full list of non-native species ID Sheets.
Risk assessment
Risk assessment for Lacerta bilineata. See a full list of non-native species Risk assessments.