Pyrenean Rock Lizard
ExploreReptiles
Pyrenean Rock Lizard
iberolacerta bonnali
The Pyrenean Rock Lizard (Iberolacerta bonnali) is a resilient and fascinating reptile that makes its home in the harsh, high-altitude alpine zones of the Pyrenees mountains. Perfectly adapted to survival in extreme cold, this small lizard thrives where few other reptiles dare to venture. It is typically found basking on sun-warmed granite rocks near mountain lakes and scree slopes, often at altitudes exceeding 2,000 meters. Because of its brief active season—limited to the short summer months—the Pyrenean Rock Lizard displays remarkable energy efficiency and timing. Watching this agile climber navigate vertical rock faces with precision is a delight for high-altitude hikers and herpetologists alike. It stands as a testament to life's adaptability in Europe's most challenging mountain landscapes.
Habitat: Found exclusively on alpine scree slopes, rocky outcrops, and stone walls near water bodies at high elevations in the Pyrenees.
Appearance
This is a relatively small lizard, measuring about 12 to 20 cm in total length, with a long, slender tail that can double its snout-vent length. It features a flattened body shape that allows it to squeeze into tight rocky crevices. Its coloration is highly cryptic, consisting of a grayish-brown or olive-colored back adorned with two dark lateral bands and subtle speckling. Unlike some other rock lizards, its belly is typically white, gray, or pale yellow, lacking bright green or orange hues, and it has smooth, non-keeled scales that give it a slightly glossy appearance.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassReptiliaOrderSquamataFamilyLacertidaeGenusIberolacerta
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Because they live in cold environments, they spend a large portion of their active day thermoregulating on rocks before they have enough energy to hunt.
Its scientific name, bonnali, honors the French naturalist Count de Bonnal, who collected the first specimens in the early 20th century.
This species spends up to eight months of the year in deep hibernation beneath the snow and rock layers.
Special abilities
Ability
High-Altitude Freeze Tolerance
These lizards can survive sub-zero temperatures during winter hibernation by producing cryoprotective compounds in their bodies.
Ability
Crevice Compression
With a dorsoventrally flattened body and flexible skeleton, they can easily squeeze into tiny rock fractures to escape predators.
Ability
Tail Autotomy
If grabbed by a predator, the lizard can self-amputate its tail, which continues to wiggle to distract the threat while the lizard escapes.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 12-20 cm
- Weight
- 0.004-0.009 kg
- Lifespan
- 8-15 years
- Top Speed
- 8 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 2-5
- Incubation
- 30-45 days
Diet & Feeding
Feeds opportunistically on a wide variety of small alpine invertebrates, taking advantage of the brief summer abundance of insects and arachnids.
Age differences: Juveniles eat smaller prey, such as mites and tiny flies, due to their smaller gape size.
Primary Foods
- Flies
- Beetles
- Spiders
- Ants
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
hunts
Wolf Spider
Pardosa mixta
Preys heavily on this spider species in alpine meadows.
eaten by
Common European Adder
Vipera berus
Preys on the Pyrenean Rock Lizard, capturing them while they bask on rocks.
competitor
Common Wall Lizard
Podarcis muralis
Competes for basking sites and insect prey in overlapping high-altitude ranges.
Traits
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Also known as
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Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Pyrenean Rock Lizard?
The easiest way to identify Pyrenean Rock Lizard is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Pyrenean Rock Lizard?
12-20 cm
How much does Pyrenean Rock Lizard weigh?
0.004-0.009 kg
How long does Pyrenean Rock Lizard live?
8-15 years
How fast can Pyrenean Rock Lizard move?
8 km/h
What does Pyrenean Rock Lizard eat?
Feeds opportunistically on a wide variety of small alpine invertebrates, taking advantage of the brief summer abundance of insects and arachnids.
Where is Pyrenean Rock Lizard usually found?
Found exclusively on alpine scree slopes, rocky outcrops, and stone walls near water bodies at high elevations in the Pyrenees.
How does Pyrenean Rock Lizard hunt?
Foraging
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