Reptiles may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of UK wildlife, but they’re out there — hiding in grasslands, woodland edges and even gardens. Despite its elusive nature, one species is more widespread than any other across the country.
What’s the most common reptile in the UK?
The common lizard (Zootoca vivipara) is the most widespread and numerous reptile in Britain. It is found in a wide range of habitats, including heathlands, moorlands, grasslands, woodlands, sea cliffs and dry-stone walls. You may also spot them basking in the sun in gardens around the UK. The common lizard is the only reptile native to Northern Ireland, and is found throughout the UK, except for the Scottish islands, the Isles of Scilly and the Channel Islands.
Known as the “viviparous lizard”, the common lizard is an unusual reptile because it incubates its eggs inside its body and gives birth to live young, rather than eggs.
What does the common lizard look like?
The common lizard is usually found in shades of brown and grey, often with darker spots or stripes down its back or sides. The male common lizard has bright yellow or orange undersides with spots.
They are often mistaken with sand lizards, due to their similarities in appearance and behaviour – but sand lizards are larger and stockier, with vibrant green flanks in males.
Adult common lizards typically measure between 10 and 15cm in length.
Common lizards can shed their tails to distract predators, and will regrow them after escaping.
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Top image: A common lizard (Zootoca vivipara) warms up on a wooden boardwalk (credit: Getty Images)
