A widespread and adaptable reptile that can be found across Europe and northern Asia, extending its range into China and Japan. Remarkably, it is the only reptile native to both Ireland and Great Britain and is notable for being the most northerly occurring non-marine reptile in the world.
The viviparous lizard’s ability to thrive in such a wide range of climates, including areas north of the Arctic Circle, can be attributed to its unique reproductive adaptation from which it gets its name. ‘Viviparous’ means ‘giving live birth,’ which this lizard does in colder parts of its range, as opposed to laying eggs. This strategy allows the embryos to develop inside the mother’s body, providing them with warmth and protection until they are ready to be born, a significant advantage in cooler environments.
The appearance of viviparous lizards is highly variable, with colors ranging from greens and browns to grays, often with patterns of spots and stripes that provide excellent camouflage against their natural habitat. These patterns are not just for disguise; they also play a role in social signaling and thermoregulation.
Tiny scales cover their skin, sometimes giving off a shimmering effect in the sunlight. This is particularly useful when basking, as the lizards rely on sun exposure to maintain their body temperature. Despite their name, some populations of viviparous lizards in warmer areas are oviparous, laying eggs instead of giving birth to live young.
The diet of the viviparous lizard primarily consists of a variety of invertebrates, including cicadas, spiders, and mealworms. Their diet reflects their role as pest controllers, contributing to the balance of their ecosystems.
Distribution
Albania
Austria
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia And Herz.
Bulgaria
China
Croatia
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Kazakhstan
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Netherlands
North Macedonia
Norway
Poland
Romania
Russia
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Ukraine
United KingdomAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (szie) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
