Fauna
Reptile

Sand Lizard

Lacerta agilis

The Sand Lizard is a sturdy lizard with pale-centered side spots and a patterned brown back; breeding males often develop vivid green flanks. It needs sunny bare patches for basking and egg laying beside dense vegetation used for shelter.

Dune ReptileSun BaskingGreen Breeding Male
Sand Lizard reference1 / 7
George Chernilevsky / Public domain · cc0
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyBeetles, Grasshoppers, Spiders
Predators
  • Snakes
  • Raptors
  • Foxes
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, scrub encroachment, development, inappropriate mowing, and free-roaming cats
HabitatsSand dunes, heath, dry grassland, scrub edges, railway banks, and open woodland
Life spanOften five to eight years, with some individuals living longer
Classification
  1. FamilyLacertidae
  2. SpeciesLacerta agilis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Stay on marked paths to protect basking patches, egg sites, and dense refuge cover.
Responsible observation
  • Pattern: Look for pale-centered spots bordered by dark markings on the flanks.
  • Season: Breeding males may show striking green sides in spring.
  • Distance: Watch basking animals without pushing them into cover.
Related species

Related species have not been added yet.

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