Subspecies and propagation:

Lacerta agilis agilis , Western Europe and Western Central Europe.

Lacerta agilis argus, Central Eastern Europe and Northern Balkans, Northeastern Italy.

Lacerta agilis boemica, Northeast Caucasus.

Lacerta agilis bosnica, Yugoslav mountains, Bulgaria and northern Greece.

Lacerta agilis brevicaudata, Transcaucasia and northeastern Turkey.

Lacerta agilis exigua, Easter of the Dnjepr River and North Caucasus, East of Lake Baikal and Issyk-Kul and Northwest China.

Lacerta agilis grusinica, Caucasian coast of the Black Sea and adjacent coast of northeastern Turkey.

Lacerta agilis chersonensis, Bulgarian and Romanian lowlands, eastern Poland and western Russia.

Lacerta agilis ioriensis, Upper reaches of the Iori River in the Caucasus.

Description:

Snout-ventral length (SVL) of approximately 8 cm and tail approximately 1.5 times the SVL.

Colors and patterns vary between subspecies and populations. Brown or gray ground color predominates with numerous dark brown or black spots, particularly along a darker dorsal stripe. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism that is particularly evident in the breeding season, when males turn vivid green along the flanks. Males have a wider head, are more robust, and on average are slightly larger than females. Juveniles are similar in color to adults but lack green pigmentation. The hatchlings are about 2 cm SVL, between 5.5 cm and 6.5 cm in total length.

The maximum shelf life is 12 years.

Habitat:

The species prefers heaths with sand or sandy soil, it also inhabits sand dune habitats in some areas. This species also has a preference for south-facing slopes, especially at northern altitudes. These areas are also necessary for the laying and incubation of eggs during the breeding season.

Terrarium:

Inside:

One pair should be kept in a minimum 50cm x 30cm x 30cm terrarium with sand as substrate, a wet part and a dry part at a depth of 10-15cm. The wet sand of this depth ensures that the females dig burrows in which they lay their eggs, also to increase the relative humidity in the enclosure. Note that males are territorial, so only one male / enclosure.

Chunks of bark, pieces of pots, low branches and leaves are also added to provide cover and climbing ability.

Provide a bowl of water, but also spray water every morning or evening to make sure the animals are drinking.

A spotlight on a piece of bark is a good spot for sunbathing, the species needs UV-B lighting. Temperatures that oscillate between 25 ° C and 27 ° C during the day and reach 35 ° C at the point of the sun. The night temperature drops from 14 ° C to 18 ° C. The daytime photoperiod remains constant from 12 to 14 hours / day in the summer.

Exterior:

A 3 x 4 meter enclosure can accommodate 2 males and 2 females of this species.

The enclosure should be well planted with a variety of vegetation to mimic natural habitats. Heavy logs / roots and flat stones / rocks or slabs should be provided for sunbathing spots and cover. Flowering plants are good for attracting insects in search of a variety of natural foods. Feed them a few crickets from time to time to make sure the animals get the amount of food they need. Use a watering can to give the enclosure and animals a gentle shower of drinking water once a day.

Reproduction:

This species requires a hibernation period to trigger mating behavior in the spring. This is done by placing the animals in an aerated box with a layer / bedding deeply moistened with Sphagnum moss. The box is placed in the refrigerator at a temperature of about 4 ° C for about 4 to 5 months, from November to April.

Mating takes place between March and May and the eggs are laid from the end of May to July.

Northern populations lay a single clutch of eggs and southern populations up to 2 clutches per year. 4 to 18 eggs / clutch, which take about 12 weeks to hatch.

Meal:

Lizards will accept almost all types of insects, earthworms, and occasionally sweet fruits and flowers. All food other than the outdoor enclosure should be sprinkled with vitamins and calcium supplements.