Common Lizard
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Lacerta vivipara
Common & widespread of the 3 British Lizards annually seen between April-September.
They exhibit no particular colour, but can be brown, red, grey, green, or black.
The species exhibits some sexual dimorphisms.
A female Lizard's display differs in ventral coloration, ranging from pale yellow to bright orange and a mixed coloration.
There have been many hypotheses for the genetic cause of this polymorphic coloration.
These hypotheses test for coloration due to thermoregulation, predator avoidance, and social cues, specifically sexual reproduction.
Also known as a Viviparous Lizard.