Green lizard (Lacerta bilineata) 

Jersey is the only area in Britain where green lizards occur naturally, in fact a number of attempts to introduce the species to mainland Britain have proved unsuccessful. The species is among the largest in Europe with adult males reaching lengths of between 30 and 40 cm (16 in.) with body weights of up to 45g. recorded. Recent studies show that Jersey’s green lizard is found exclusively in Western Europe and is a sub-species of Lacerta viridis, a European green lizard with a range extending much further east. There are colour variations within the species, designed, perhaps, to blend with the surrounding vegetation, though the predominant colour is green. Adult males are distinguished from the females by a larger head and a blue throat, the latter becoming much more prominent during the breeding season. The throat of the female is yellowish green. The breeding season takes place in April and May and at this time fierce fighting among males is not uncommon as they establish territories. Between five and twenty eggs are produced in June or July. The clutch is then hidden beneath vegetation or soil and warmed by the sun. The young emerge in September. 

GREEN LIZARDS are ectothermic heliotherms, that is to say they are cold blooded. Unlike mammals, they have no in-built control over their body temperature so they find warmth in suitable weather by basking. This essential heat is gathered either from direct sunlight or, on sunless days, from warm air or the residual heat from rocks. 

My wife spotted these two lizards during a walk near Corbierre lighthouse. They remained basking in the full sun ignoring my approach, much longer than I thought they would and I was able to get very close to them. The second lizard even went hunting in my presence and caught a passing grasshopper (see photo 4).