Timon lepidus (Daudin, 1802)

Species Size Overview

Timon lepidus is one of the largest species in its family. Adult individuals measure 30 to 60 cm (0.98 to 1.97 ft) in total length including the tail, and can reach a maximum total length of 90 cm (3.0 ft), with a body weight over 0.5 kg (1.1 lb). Roughly two-thirds of the lizard's total length is made up by its tail.

Juvenile Size

Newly hatched juveniles measure 4 to 5 cm (1.5 to 2 in) in length when measured without the tail.

Body Build and Head Structure

This species is a robust lizard with a serrated collar; males have a characteristic broad head.

Limb and Claw Structure

It has thick, strong legs with long, curved claws.

Dorsal Coloration Base

The dorsal background color is most often green, but may sometimes be grey or brownish, particularly on the head and tail. This base color is overlaid with black stippling that can form a bold pattern of interconnected rosettes.

Underside and Flank Markings

The underside is yellowish or greenish; both males and females have bright blue spots along their flanks, with males typically showing brighter coloration than females.

Juvenile Coloration

Juvenile lizards are green, grey, or brown, with yellowish or white spots that often have black edges across their entire body.

Native Range

Timon lepidus is native to southwestern Europe.

Distribution in Europe

It occurs across the entire Iberian Peninsula, including Spain, Portugal, and Gibraltar, and has a patchy distribution in southern France and extreme northwestern Italy.

Distribution in North Africa

It is also found in northwestern Tunisia, specifically in the forests of Ain Soltane and El Feija in Ghardimaou, Jendouba.

Subspecies Distribution

The subspecies Timon lepidus ibericus is found in the northwestern Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal), alongside the other recognized subspecies Timon lepidus lepidus and Timon lepidus oteroi.

Elevation Range

Timon lepidus inhabits a range of wild and cultivated habitats, from sea level up to 2,100 m (6,900 ft) in southern Spain, and is rare at higher elevations.

Preferred Habitat Types

It prefers dry, bushy areas such as open woodland, scrub, old olive groves, and vineyards, and is sometimes found in more open, rocky or sandy areas. It can occasionally be seen basking on roadsides.

Locomotion and Shelter Behavior

This lizard usually remains on the ground, but is a capable climber on rocks and in trees. It can dig its own holes, and will sometimes use abandoned rabbit burrows.

Breeding Period

Breeding for T. lepidus takes place in late spring or early summer.

Male Breeding Behavior

Males are territorial during spring and fight with one another during the breeding season.

Egg Laying Traits

About three months after mating, females lay up to 22 eggs in June and July, hiding the eggs under stones and logs, in leaf litter, or in loose damp soil. In dry areas, females tend to lay fewer, larger eggs.

Development and Maturity

The eggs hatch after 8 to 14 weeks, and individuals reach sexual maturity at two years of age.