REPTILES Ocellated Lizard

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REPTILES Ocellated Lizard REPTILES Learn more about the reptiles in the beautiful nature surrounding Areias do Seixo. Ocellated lizard (Lacerta lepida) Europe’s largest lizard, the ocellated lizard (Timon lepidus) gains its common name from the bright blue, eye-like ocelli on the sides of its body. The upperparts and sides of the body are grey-green, with a sparse to heavy black pattern on the back. The body itself is robust, and two-thirds of the total body length is made up by the remarkably long tail. The male ocellated lizard is larger and bulkier than the female, with more vibrant colouration and a larger head. The juvenile also has a less vivid, green-yellow colouration, but is still strongly patterned with light, black-edged ocelli. Although usually up to 70 centimetres, the ocellated lizard can grow up to 90 centimetres. Degree of Difficulty: 8 Colour status: Green Feeds on: rodents, eggs, small lizards, insects, snails, frogs, worms Season: from March to October Large Psammodromus (Psammodromus algirus) This species occurs in Portugal, northern Tunisia, northern Algeria and northern and central Morocco, Conigli islet near Lampedusa island (Italy), and the Spanish North African territories of Ceuta and Melilla. This species is found in dense bushes and shrubland, in open or degraded woodland areas, pine forests and eucalyptus plantations, coastal dunes and beaches. It also occurs in rural gardens and in some agricultural areas. Females lay between eight and 11 eggs. Degree of Dificulty: 7 Colour status: Green Feeds on: Insects, snails, worms Season: From March to October Mediterranean turtle (Mauremys leprosa) The mediterranean turtle is a discreet inhabitant of lakes, ponds and lagoons all over Portugal that can gorw up to 22 cm in shell length. It is a freshwater reptile and it can live up to be 50 tears old. It is a shy animal, and can most easily be spotted by the garden’s pond and with its head peeking out of the water. It is threatened on Portugal due to the occurrence of an invasive turtle species, and its numbers are decreasing rapidly in its entire world-range distribution. Degree of Difficulty: 7 Colour status: Yellow Feeding: Small fish, algae, red swamp crayfish, .
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