Taxonomy
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Lacertidae
Genus: Lacerta
Species: Lacerta schreiberi
Conservation Status of the Species in Portugal and Worldwide
Portugal
World
Features and
Habits
In terms of size, it measures between 30 and 40 cm in length (with tail), and 14 cm (without tail). Regarding its characteristics, it has a vibrant color pattern, divided into three colors: brown on the tail, yellowish-green in the central part of the body, and blue on the head. The head coloration changes, varying between gray and blue depending on the time of year, with the typical vibrant blue appearing during the breeding season.
It is a diurnal species. During the day it alternates between hunting and resting in the sun. On very hot days and at night it shelters and rests in order to stabilize its temperature. It feeds mainly on invertebrates, both aquatic and terrestrial, and occasionally on vertebrates such as small fish and amphibians. The breeding season occurs in spring and early summer, and males perform head movements and color displays to attract females. After mating, the female lays between 5 and 12 eggs in damp, sheltered places, under fallen leaves or in cavities in the ground. The eggs hatch after 6 to 10 weeks. The young are independent at birth. This lizard's ability to swim is one of its most outstanding characteristics.
In terms of interaction with humans, they flee quickly, barely feel observed, and are harmless.
Habitat and Distribution
Its preferred habitats are humid and shady, such as stream banks, riparian forests , and damp meadows . It requires dense vegetation and available water to thrive. Unlike most lizards, this one never strays far from water. It also prefers locations with many insects, as this is its main food source.
It is a resident reptile found only on the Iberian Peninsula. It is common in Portugal, however, it is mainly and almost exclusively located above the Tagus River. The places where it is most frequently observed are the Gerês, Estrela, and Lousã mountain ranges, and the mountains between the districts of Aveiro and Viseu. Further south, although rarely, it can be found near Lisbon in Sintra, and in the Monchique mountain range. In this photograph, I observed the species at Bio Ria Estarreja, in Aveiro.
Places where I have photographed this species so far.
All Photographs Taken
