# Viviparous Lizard (*Zootoca vivipara*) The Viviparous Lizard is a small lizard that gives birth to live young. It has a smooth body and can often be found in grassy areas. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 2 - **Habitat:** Grasslands and heathlands. - **Also known as:** Common Lizard, Zootoca Lizard ![Viviparous Lizard](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771425782/objects/5610.jpg) ## Appearance The Viviparous Lizard is a small, slender reptile, typically brown or grey with a prominent dark stripe down its back and often scattered dark spots. Males frequently display a vibrant orange or yellow belly, making them distinct from females and other small lizards. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Lacertilia - **Family:** Lacertidae - **Genus:** Zootoca ## Interesting facts - Some Viviparous Lizards can surprisingly lay eggs instead of giving live birth! - Their babies are born ready to hunt, not needing any parent care! - This lizard holds the record for being the world's most northern reptile! - When it gets super cold, they produce a special "antifreeze" inside their bodies! ## Special abilities - **Tail Detachment:** Viviparous Lizard can drop its wiggling tail to escape danger, confusing predators and aiding escape. - **Temperature Control:** Viviparous Lizard can bask in the sun to warm up quickly, helping it stay active even in cooler climates. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 10-18 cm - **Weight:** 0.005-0.01 kg - **Lifespan:** 5-10 years - **Speed:** 8 km/h ## Diet & Feeding These small hunters munch on all sorts of creepy crawlies like insects and spiders! - **Primary Foods:** spiders, crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, slugs, worms - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Adder](https://www.snappit.app/explore/adder) (*Vipera berus*) — A common snake predator in its habitat. - **Eaten by:** Kestrel (*Falco tinnunculus*) — Often preyed upon by this common bird of prey. - **Eaten by:** [Common Raven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-raven) (*Corvus corax*) — Ravens are opportunistic hunters that eat lizards. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) - [Reptiles & Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles-and-amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Viviparous Lizard? Compare toes, scales, head shape, crests and tail proportions. Many lizards can drop and regrow their tails, so a short tail isn't always a species trait. Lizard Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Viviparous Lizard? 10-18 cm ### How much does Viviparous Lizard weigh? 0.005-0.01 kg ### How long does Viviparous Lizard live? 5-10 years ### How fast can Viviparous Lizard move? 8 km/h ### What does Viviparous Lizard eat? These small hunters munch on all sorts of creepy crawlies like insects and spiders! ### Where is Viviparous Lizard usually found? Grasslands and heathlands. ### How does Viviparous Lizard hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Zoologická zahrada Děčín - Pastýřská stěna](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/zoologick-zahrada-d-n-past-sk-st-na) — Ústí nad Labem Region, CZ · Zoo - [Naturpark Oberpfälzer Wald](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/naturpark-oberpfalzer-wald) — Bayern, DE · Park - [Bourtanger Moor–Veenland Nature Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bourtanger-moor-veenland-nature-park) — Niedersachsen, DE · Park - [Jasmund National Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/jasmund-national-park) — Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, DE · Park - [Wendland.Elbe Nature Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/wendland-elbe-nature-park) — Niedersachsen, DE · Park - [Naturpark Augsburg-Westliche Wälder](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/augsburg-western-woods-nature-park) — Bayern, DE · Park [View all places to see Viviparous Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/viviparous-lizard) ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Viviparous Lizard: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/viviparous-lizard)