The Jeweled Lacerta (Timon lepidus) is a large, vividly colored lizard native to southwestern Europe, renowned for its bright green body adorned with distinctive blue ocelli along its flanks, making it one of the most striking members of the Lacertidae family.
First scientifically described by Daudin in 1802, the Jeweled Lacerta has a well-established lineage within the Lacertidae family. It naturally inhabits southwestern Europe, including Spain, Portugal, southern France, and parts of northwestern Italy, thriving in Mediterranean environments without any known domestication or captive breeding origins.
The Jeweled Lacerta belongs to the genus Timon within the family Lacertidae, a diverse group of true lizards. It is classified under the suborder Lacertilia (Sauria) of the order Squamata, which encompasses all lizards but excludes snakes and other reptiles.
This robust lizard reaches lengths of 60 to 90 centimeters, with males generally larger than females and exhibiting more vivid coloration and larger heads. Its dorsal surface is a bright green, patterned with black spots and striking blue ocelli—"jewels"—lining its flanks. The long tail, often exceeding half the total body length, complements its sturdy build, making it visually distinctive among Mediterranean reptiles.
Diurnal and terrestrial, the Jeweled Lacerta is an agile predator inhabiting open, sunny habitats such as scrublands, rocky hillsides, and Mediterranean woodlands. It actively hunts insects, small vertebrates, and occasionally consumes plant matter, playing an important ecological role in controlling invertebrate populations.
Bring this kind into your world � illustrated posters, mugs, and shirts.
Archival print, museum-grade paper
Buy Poster
Stoneware mug, dishwasher safe
Buy Mug
Soft cotton tee, unisex sizes
Buy ShirtWhile not widely prominent in folklore or art, the Jeweled Lacerta holds value in herpetoculture due to its vivid coloration and impressive size. It is a sought-after species among reptile enthusiasts and collectors, symbolizing the rich biodiversity of Mediterranean ecosystems.
The Jeweled Lacerta thrives in open, sunny Mediterranean habitats such as scrublands, rocky hillsides, and woodlands. Its geographic range spans southwestern Europe, notably across Spain, Portugal, southern France, and parts of northwestern Italy, where it occupies warm, dry environments with ample basking sites and shelter.
This species is an opportunistic predator feeding mainly on insects and small vertebrates, supplemented by occasional plant material. Its diurnal activity pattern supports active foraging during daylight hours, utilizing agility and keen eyesight to capture prey within its terrestrial habitat.
While specific reproductive details for the Jeweled Lacerta are limited, it follows typical lacertid patterns, likely being oviparous with seasonal breeding. Males’ pronounced sexual dimorphism suggests territorial and mating behaviors, with hatchlings developing through egg incubation before emerging to begin independent life stages.
The Jeweled Lacerta faces pressures from habitat loss and fragmentation but remains relatively stable across much of its range. Trade is regulated to prevent overcollection, reflecting ongoing conservation efforts to protect this ecologically important species within Mediterranean ecosystems.
In captivity, the Jeweled Lacerta requires spacious enclosures mimicking its natural sunny, rocky habitat with ample basking spots and hiding places. A diet rich in live insects and occasional plant matter supports its nutritional needs. Due to its size and activity level, proper temperature gradients and UV lighting are essential for health and longevity, with captive lifespans reaching up to 15–20 years under optimal care.
