iberian Emerald Lizard

Description

Available in A3, A4 and A5 framed and unframed

The Iberian emerald lizard (Lacerta schreiberi) is a strikingly beautiful reptile native to the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in northern and central Spain and northern Portugal. It thrives in humid environments such as riverbanks, woodlands, and grasslands, preferring areas with dense vegetation. This medium to large lizard can grow up to 40 cm in length, with males displaying brilliant emerald-green scales speckled with black, while females and juveniles are usually more subdued in color. During the breeding season, males develop a vivid blue throat, making them even more visually striking. Agile and fast-moving, the Iberian emerald lizard is an excellent climber and hunter, feeding on a diet of insects, spiders, and small vertebrates. Though it can be shy, it will fiercely defend itself if cornered, using its strong jaws to deliver a painful bite. Despite facing habitat loss in some areas, it remains an important predator in Mediterranean ecosystems, helping to regulate insect populations.