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

http://www.herp.it/

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