{"id":22770,"date":"2023-01-09T07:09:49","date_gmt":"2023-01-09T06:09:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/?p=134413"},"modified":"2023-01-09T07:35:36","modified_gmt":"2023-01-09T06:35:36","slug":"sand-lizard-diet-habitat-identification-and-distribution","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/sand-lizard-diet-habitat-identification-and-distribution\/","title":{"rendered":"Sand lizard: diet, habitat, identification and distribution"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Kevin Parr\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Monday, 09 January 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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The sand lizard is one of the rarest reptiles in the UK. Their scarcity means they are heavily protected, and it is an offence to knowingly disturb them.<\/p>\n

Should you be in areas where sand lizards might be found then always remain on footpaths or public right of ways but keep an eye on south-facing banks or sandy mounds where lizards might be basking.<\/p>\n

Watch out for disturbed sand which might be concealing eggs. These are laid in late May or early June and will hatch towards the end of August.<\/p>\n

In this guide, we take a closer look at sand lizards in the UK, revealing information on how to identify them, where they live and what they eat.<\/p>\n

Interested in learning more about British wildlife? Check out our guides to snakes<\/a>, frogs and toads<\/a>, and deer<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Reptiles of the British Isles\u00a0<\/h4>\n
Discover the fascinating world of snakes, lizards and slow worms with BBC Countryfile Magazine\u2019s guide to Britain\u2019s six native reptiles.<\/p>\n
Reptile guide: snakes, lizards and slow worms<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>
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$\""Sand\"$ <\/div><\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
What is a sand lizard?<\/h2>\n
Slightly larger and stockier than the common lizard, an adult sand lizard \u2013 Lacerta agilis<\/em> \u2013 might measure 20cm from nose to tail tip.<\/p>\n
Both sexes are strongly marked, with a mixture of stripes and spots in brown and grey. The males have green flanks which intensify in colour during the breeding season, giving an unmistakable and vivid beauty. This can also make them easier to spot, but care should always be taken.<\/p>\n
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