Common Lizard
Zootoca vivipara
UK Green ListEasy to see📍 Foulshaw Moss
Season
March to October. Basking.
Best time of day
Morning. Basking on rocks.
Lake District
Foulshaw Moss. Heath. Moorland. Drystone walls. That dart. Brown. Small. Only native lizard. Live-bearing. Basking in morning. Common.
UK population
Widespread. Our only native lizard.
Overview
Common lizards dart. Brown. Small. Only native lizard. Live-bearing. Foulshaw Moss. Heath. Moorland. Basking in morning. They'll dart. Common. Don't catch them. Tail drops off.
At a Glance
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Lacertidae |
| Habitat | Heath · Moorland · Drystone walls |
| Diet | Insects, spiders. |
| UK population | Widespread. Our only native lizard. |
| Lake District | Foulshaw Moss. Heath. Moorland. Drystone walls. That dart. Brown. Small. Only native lizard. Live-bearing. Basking in morning. Common. |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Heath, moorland, drystone walls. Foulshaw Moss, Grizedale, the fells. That dart. Brown. Small. Only native lizard. Live-bearing.
Identification
Brown. Small. Dart. Only native lizard. Live-bearing. Slow worm is legless.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Heath. Moorland. Morning for basking. That dart. Don't catch them. Tail drops off.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Lake District biodiversity.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.