Common Lizard

The Common or Viviparous Lizard is one of three lizards present in Britain, the others being the slow-worm and rare and protected sand lizard. Often seen basking on drystone walls on warm spring and summer days these stunning reptiles can be a huge variety of colours. 

“Common lizards can both lay eggs and give birth to live young. They lay eggs in warm climates, and bear live young in cold ones. They range from northern Asia across central and northern Europe and are the only reptiles found in Ireland. They are good swimmers diving underwater when threatened, and can shed their tails to fool predators. At night, and when startled, common lizards shelter beneath logs, stones and metal sheets. They hibernate from October to March, often in groups, emerging for brief times during warm spells.” –

BBC  (http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Viviparous_lizard)