Reptiles
European Green Lizard
Lacerta viridis
On a sun-baked vineyard wall in Hungary, a male European green lizard basks, his speckled green back glowing and his throat flashing blue.
Overview
The European green lizard, Lacerta viridis, is a Least Concern lizard of sunny scrub, vineyards, and forest edges across central and southeastern Europe. Its vivid green colour, breeding-season blue throat, and agile, sun-loving habits make it one of the most beautiful reptiles in southeastern Europe.
A lizard in its breeding colours
In spring, males flush with bright blue at the throat, a signal that is visible from a distance across the sunny slopes where they live.
Status
Least Concern, widespread across a large range.
European Green Lizard: common questions
Why does the male European green lizard have a blue throat?
In the breeding season, the male develops a bright blue throat, which helps him to attract females and warn rivals.
Is it the same as the western green lizard?
No, the western green lizard of western Europe is a separate species, though the two look very similar.
What does it eat?
It eats insects, spiders, and snails, and occasionally small lizards and fruit.
Where is the European green lizard found?
It lives on sunny scrub, vineyards, and forest edges across central and southeastern Europe, east to the Black Sea.