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Lacerta
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sand lizard common wall lizard
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sand lizard
sand lizard Sand lizard (Lacerta agilis)

Lacerta

reptile genus
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Also known as: lacertid lizard
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viviparous lizard
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common wall lizard
common wall lizardCommon wall lizard (Podarcis muralis).

Lacerta, (family Lacertidae), genus of lizards of the family Lacertidae that includes among its nearly 50 species most European lizards and some Asian and northern African species. Lacerta and its allies, such as the Gallotia and Podarcis lizards, are commonly called wall or rock lizards. Lacerta species have well-developed limbs and deeply notched tongues. They have small back scales and large throat shields that form a well-defined collar.

These lizards are predominantly egg layers and insectivores. They also include some species entirely made up of females that reproduce through parthenogenesis.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Richard Pallardy.