Troodos lizard

Description:

Small-sized lizard with a body that can reach 10cm in length and tail that does not excedd 15cm. Body color brown-green to gray-green. On the side of the body, a longwise dark brown band is detected that extends from the head toward the tail. On the ventral side of this band, a pale white line is found that separates the dark color of the back from the light color of the ventricular surface of the lizards. During the breeding season, orange batches are formed on the side of the head in males while the abdominal becomes orange with red and blue dots on the side.

Basic biology:

It can be found in a wide variety of natural habitats of the island showing preference in shady and humid environments with rich vegetation cover such as streams, rivers and woodlands. It can also be found in gardens, cultivated lands or even semi-arid environments with good coverage of trees and shrubs. Feeds mainly with small arthropods such as spiders, beetles and butterflies. Reproduce takes place during spring and summer. Females lay usually 2-8 eggs in each clutch.

Distribution at Cyprus:

From the coast to the highest peaks of Troodos mountain. 

Global distribution:

Endemic species of Cyprus

Condition:

Common

Protection status:

• Protected by the Bern Convention (Annex III)

Map of confirmed presence: