The green lizard

The green lizard in the Ardèche

Smaller than the ocellated lizard, the green lizard is very shy. However, it is quite common in the Ardèche. You’re likely to see it at Mas de la Fontenette in the Gorges de l’Ardèche, hunting insects next to the infinity pool. It can also be seen at the Pont d’Arc near Vallon Pont d’Arc.

Characteristics of the Green Lizard

This magnificent reptile can reach 40cm in adult size, but the average size is between 25 and 30cm, weighing between 20 and 40 grams. It is therefore a large lizard with a tail twice as big as its body.

Males have green to brownish backs dotted with black and yellow, with generally blue throats. Females have green or brownish backs with two to four lemon-yellow lines dotted with black.

The green lizard can be seen in a wide variety of places, but where there are open areas where it can be exposed to the sun. In France, its territory extends across the south, Brittany and central France. It is also found in most of Western Europe.

Its diet consists of insects, beetles, bird eggs, other small lizards, larvae, spiders and earthworms, and even fruit. The lizard hibernates from October to April. They emerge from hibernation towards the end of April. Their life expectancy is around 15 years, but they are one of the falcon’s favourite prey items.