British Reptiles and Amphibians 



the average, some 15 inches in length. Females, 

 which have reached almost i^ feet in length, have been 

 recorded. 



The colour over the back is usually of a uniform 

 green, as the name denotes, although in some specimens 

 this green takes on a warm yellow tinge. Under- 

 neath, the colouring is a decided yellow. During the 

 breeding season the throat of the male assumes a bluish 

 hue. In stray specimens there is sometimes a rather 

 fine sprinkling of bright and dull colours upon the 

 green surface of the upper parts. Another peculiar 

 marking is the semicircular collar on the neck. 



This reptile has a flattish head and rather prominent 

 eyelids. The tail is readily defined, and tapers from 

 the hexagonal tail scales towards a fine point. It is a 

 difficult task to record the food of Lizards in detail, so 

 varied is the menu. For instance, in the case of the 

 one now named, the bill-of-fare comprises insects of 

 almost every shape and colour, with Beetles, Worms, 

 Snails, and indeed any " small game " that roams 

 about the haunts of the animal. 



It is an oviparous reptile. The eggs, of which there 

 may be six or twelve, partially mature in the female 

 during the few weeks she carries them. At maturity 

 she deposits them, and thereafter the sun's rays hatch 

 them out. This takes some four weeks, counting 

 from the date they are deposited. 



Green Lizards are usually found in rocky situations, 

 about dry stone walls or similar places, and they seem 



26 



