Balkan Green Lizard The Balkan green lizard (Lacerta trilineata) is one of Greece’s largest lizards, distinguished by the vivid green colour of adults. Crete’s populations are classified as the subspecies Lacerta trilineata polylepidota. It has no venom and, despite local misconceptions, poses no danger to humans.
Its head-and-body length can reach approximately 16 centimetres, while its total length, including the long tail, may exceed 45 centimetres. It has a robust body, a large head and well-developed limbs. Young individuals are usually brown, often with pale stripes or spots, gradually developing the green colouration of adults.
It inhabits scrublands, rocky areas, woodland edges, olive groves, farmland and gardens. Vegetation, stones and dry-stone walls provide shelter and places to forage. Although it moves mainly on the ground, it also climbs shrubs, tree trunks and stone walls with ease.
It is an agile, wary, day-active lizard that usually retreats quickly when it notices a person. If caught, however, it may defend itself with a strong bite. It is best observed without attempting to capture it.
It feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates but may also consume smaller reptiles and other small vertebrates. Mating takes place in spring, and females usually lay 6–20 eggs in late spring or early summer.
Habitat degradation, wildfires, road traffic and deliberate killing place pressure on its populations. Preserving natural vegetation and shelter helps protect this characteristic lizard of the Cretan countryside.
