The Jewelled Lacerta is a species of lizard that is native to South-Western Europe in countries such as Spain and Portugal. They are also commonly called the Ocellated lizard.
The scientific name for this species is Timon lepidus. If we use the name Jewelled Lacerta, Ocellated Lizard or Timon lepidus in this article, just remember that we are referring to the same lizard.
As of 2011, this species is protected in Spain as it is listed as near threatened. It is illegal to capture and sell wild caught specimens so any animal bought as pets should be captive bred.
Jewelled Lacerta Description
The Jewelled Lacerta is one of the largest lizards in the Lacertidae family. They can typically grow to a length of 30-60cm. However, about two thirds of this length comes from the lizard’s tail.
The background color of the lizard is typically green but can vary to shades of grey or brown. This coloration is particularly common on the head and tail. The head can even have a blue coloration.
The background color is overlaid with a lot of small black blotches that are often shaped in the form of a rosette.
Their bellies are typically yellow or greenish in color. They also have distinctive blue markings along the side of their bodies.
These blue markings give the illusion that the lizard is covered in jewels or beads, hence their common name, the Jewelled Lacerta. It is this stunning appearance that makes these lizards so coveted in the reptile hobby.
It is possible to tell the difference between males and females as males tend to have a broader head. The males are also typically brighter in color.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The Jewelled Lacerta is native to South-Western Europe where its primary distribution consists of Portugal and Spain. They can also be found in Gibraltar, Southern France and North-Western Italy.
They prefer to live at lower elevations where it prefers dry shrubland areas. However, they can also be found in rocky or sandy habitats.
While the Jewelled Lacerta is typically a ground dwelling lizard, they are very good climbers and will often climb rocks or trees. They can also dig burrows or occupy abandoned rodent or mammal burrows.
They share a very small portion of their range with the European Adder in parts of Southern France and North-Western Italy.
Jewelled Lacerta as Pets
The Jewelled Lacerta is a much sought-after species in the reptile hobby due to its stunning appearance. However, it shouldn’t be considered a beginner species as some aspects of their care are more advanced.
It is a species that can get stressed very easily so handling should be kept to a minimum. They also have specific temperature and humidity requirements which may not be ideal for beginners.
Feeding a Jewelled Lacerta
In the wild, the Jewelled Lacerta is an opportunistic eater and will feed on a wide variety of prey. However, the bulk of their diet consists of snails and large insects such as beetles and cockroaches.
They will also feed on the occasional reptile, frogs, small mammals and even take eggs from a bird’s nest. They will also eat fruits and other plants.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of keeping a pet Jewelled Lacerta is feeding time. These lizards are very food orientated and will eagerly chase down their prey.
In captivity, you can feed these lizards a varied diet of beetles, crickets, dubia roaches, locusts and snails. They will also eat mealworms, superworms, waxworms and so on.
You can also offer them some fruit and leafy greens. You can offer them things like apples, banana, strawberries and pear. A varied diet is key for these lizards.
Jewelled Lacerta Housing
As this is an active lizard, you will need to provide them with a large enclosure to give them plenty of space to move around. This is not a species you can keep in a small enclosure or tub.
A large adult will require an enclosure measuring at least 4ft x 2ft x 3ft. This will give them plenty of space to move around while also providing enough height for climbing.
You should keep these lizards in individual enclosures as males will become aggressive towards each other if housed together. Males and Females should only be housed together for mating.
The reason we recommended a 3ft high enclosure is because these lizards like to burrow. Coco Fibre or a sand/soil mixture are great options for substrates.
Adding a layer of substrate that is 6-8 inches deep will promote this while still having plenty of height in the enclosure for climbing.
You will also need to include a water bowl and a couple of hides in the enclosure for security as this is a shy lizard. Some sturdy branches are also important as they like to climb.
Light and Heat
As with all reptiles, you will need to provide a thermogradient. This is because reptiles are cold blooded and rely on external conditions to control their internal temperature.
The warm end of the enclosure should be kept at around 90F while the ambient temperature on the cool side can drop to around 80F. It is ok for the ambient temperature to drop a couple of degrees during the night.
A Jewelled Lacerta lizard needs to be exposed to Ultra Violet light like many species of lizards. In captivity, you can provide this using a full-spectrum fluorescent lamp or low wattage incandescent or halogen lamp.
Handling a Jewelled Lacerta
The Jewelled Lacerta is a remarkable species and one that many reptile keepers want to own. However, this is not your typical Leopard Gecko or Crested Gecko.
These lizards grow large and have a ferocious appetite but don’t let this fool you. These lizards are known to be quite skittish and can stress easily.
It is important to note that every individual lizard has their own temperament but in general they don’t like to be handled much so too much handling can cause unnecessary stress to your lizard.
