Wild in April

Lizards sound really exotic but there are three species to be found in the UK. These are the common lizard, sand lizard and the slow worm. The sand lizard is now restricted to a few coastal heathland sites. Both common lizards and slow worms are found in south Powys. Slow worms are legless and prefer to hide under lots and in decaying vegetation such as compost heaps. The common lizard however enjoys basking in the sun so is more easily spotted. You have to be alert though, as soon as they are aware of you they will run and hide!

Common lizards are up to 15cm and usually brown with darker spots. However their colour does vary between black to vivid green.They are found in moorland, heathlands, grasslands and sea cliffs. Unusually for reptiles they don’t lay eggs but ‘give birth’ to live young, an adaptation to our cooler climate. Mating takes place in April and May and the young born in July.

They eat many different invertebrates such as worms, slugs, flies, small beetles and even grasshoppers. Common lizards are also eaten by a number of predators including foxes and larger birds.If threatened, they will drop part of their tail to get away.

Article by Pauline Hill
Photo by Keith Noble www.welshwildlife.org/nature-reserves/brecknock/