|
|
|
Lacerta viridis
 |
| Photo Information |
| Copyright: Ronald HUGHES (boxcorner) (2) |
| Genre: Animals |
| Medium: Color |
| Date Taken: 2006-05-15 |
| Categories: Reptiles |
| Camera: Nikon Coolpix 8800 |
| Details: Tripod: Yes |
| More Photo Info: [view] |
| Map: [view] |
| Photo Version: Original Version |
| Date Submitted: 2009-05-09 5:18 |
| Viewed: 553 |
| Points: 2 |
|
| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
European Green Lizard (Lacerta viridis)
The European Green Lizard is a large lizard distributed across mid European latitudes from the north of the Iberian peninsula to as far east as Ukraine. It is often to be seen sunning itself on rocks or lawns, or sheltering amongst bushes.
The lizard reaches a length of approximately 12 cm length from the tip of the muzzle to the cloaca. The tail can be up to twice the length of the body. This lizard sheds its tail (autotomy), to evade the grasp of a predator.
Males have a larger head and a uniform green colouring punctuated with small spots that are more pronounced upon its back. The throat is bluish in the adult males and to a lesser extent in the females.
The female is more slender than the male and has a more uniform coloration, often displaying between two and four light bands bordered by black spots.
It feeds on insects, small lizards and even mice. In springtime the female lays 6 to 20 eggs. About 2 to 3 months later brown-coloured young appear with a length of 3-4 cm.
[Source] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_green_lizard
I noticed some lizards basking in the sun, but of course as soon as I approached them they all scurried back into safety, hiding amongst the rocks. So, I mounted my camera on a tripod, sat on a low stool so I could manipulate my camera easily and waited patiently. Sure enough their curiosity eventually overcame their fear and they ventured out to watch me. |
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes. |
|
|
|
Hello Ronald,
beautifull colors, very sharp and excellent light,
regards,
Nikos.
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 264 W: 0 N: 515]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif){kind=small}