Lacerta bilineata Daudin, 1802

Size

Lacerta bilineata Daudin, 1802 reaches an average body length (excluding the tail) of about 13 centimetres (5.1 in), with a maximum total length of 40 centimetres (16 in) including the tail. The tail may grow up to twice as long as the body.

Weight

The average weight of this species is about 35 grams.

Adult Body Coloration

Its body is bright green.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males have larger heads than females, and males often have a blue throat.

Juvenile Coloration

Juveniles are almost entirely brown, with a yellowish belly and two to four pale longitudinal lines along their flanks.

Sub-adult Markings

Sub-adults retain these lines, and also have several small brown spots on their backs.

Territoriality

These lizards are territorial.

Sexual Maturity

They reach sexual maturity at around two years of age, when they are approximately 8 cm long excluding the tail.

Male Agonistic Behavior

Males fight one another, especially during the mating season, when they are very aggressive toward rival males.

Mating Ritual

The mating ritual follows a specific pattern, beginning with a bite to the base of the female's tail.

Reproduction

Females lay between 6 and 25 eggs in a humid, warm location, such as inside a decomposing log.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of this species is about 15 years.

Diet

They feed on arthropods, including large insects, isopods, and spiders.

Native Range

This species is native to Andorra, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Monaco, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Guernsey, and Jersey in the Channel Islands.

Introduced Range

It has been introduced into the United States, and there are also introduced colonies along the south coast of the U.K, most notably around Poole Bay in Dorset.

Natural Habitats

Its natural habitats include green humid areas, temperate forest, woodland edges, shrubland, open grassland, arable land, and pastureland.

Threats

It is currently threatened by habitat loss.