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Viviparous lizard


Viviparous lizard
Photo Information
Copyright: Marx Kol (Marx44) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 59 W: 72 N: 279] (1768)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-07-12
Categories: Reptiles
Camera: Canon EOS 30 D, Canon EF 100 mm F2.8 Macro USM
Exposure: f/10.0, 1/125 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-07-13 12:47
Viewed: 321
Points: 6
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The viviparous lizard or common lizard (Zootoca vivipara, formerly Lacerta vivipara) is a Eurasian lizard. It lives farther north than any other reptile species.

The viviparous lizard feeds on invertebrates, mostly small insects. It shakes its prey in its jaws before it chews it and swallows it whole. In early spring, late autumn, and cool summer days it basks in the sun to reach its optimum body temperature, which is about 30°C.

The lizard mates in April or May. Males take females in their jaws before mating – if the female is not interested, she will bite the male fiercely. The offspring develops for approximately three months inside the female.

The name of the species is derived from its ability to give birth to live young, an adaptation to a cool climate – but some southern populations are oviparous (egg-laying). The 3-10 young (or eggs) are usually produced in July. The blackish young measure about 3 cm, and when first born are surrounded by egg membrane, from which they break free after about a day. Males reach sexual maturity at two years old, females at three years old. Individuals from viviparous and oviparous populations may be hybridised, but with significant embryonic malformation (Heulin et al 1989).

In northern regions viviparous lizards begin hibernation in September or October, underground or in log piles. Hibernation ends about mid-February. Further south the species is active throughout the year.

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Critiques [Translate]

very nice and clear closeup, very well focused with nice colours.
tfs
Ilias

  • Great 
  • cloud Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 117 W: 63 N: 255] (2051)
  • [2008-07-14 4:06]

Witaj,
Cos ze zwierzat i swietne kadrowanie. bardzo fajnie sie prezentuje wsrod tych roslinek.
Pozdrawiam, Pawel

Witaj,
Piękny jaszczur ładnie pokazany :)
Naturalne kolory i ostrość bez zarzutu.
Pozdrawiam Małgosia

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