Reproduction

How does the jeweled lizard produce its young?

These animals come together to mate during the breeding season which occurs in spring. Mating can occasionally become violent.

During this period the males will become violent towards any other animals within their habitat.

A female will deposit a clutch of between 5 and 20 eggs. These are laid two to three months following mating. They are laid in a small tunnel dug by the female.

Sexual maturity is reached at three years old.

In captivity this species has been seen to lay two clutches within a year.

Behavior

What does the jeweled lizard do with its day?

This species is primarily found on the ground but can climb wall crevices to escape predators.

They are mostly active during the day. In summer this species may become partly nocturnal in an effort to avoid the heat of the day. During autumn and winter they will enter a period of inactivity but they may be seen on warmer days.

These animals are solitary and will only come together to mate.

Credit: Public Domain

Predators and Threats

What is impacting the survival of the jeweled lizard?

Predators of the jeweled lizard include mongoose, storks and raptors.

Natural predation of this species is likely increasing as rabbit numbers are declining across their range.

Numbers of jeweled lizards are considered to be in decline. In some small areas of their range they are considered to be close to extinction.

Their numbers are declining as a result of habitat loss and poisoning.

This species was previously considered a delicacy and widely consumed. Efforts to restore this practice are an emerging threat to this species which may effect them in to the future.

Quick facts

They may also be known as the ocellated lizard, jeweled lacerta or eyed lizard.

Two subspecies are recognized with one occurring only on Salvora Island off the coast of Spain.

These lizards are the largest Lacertid in Europe.