2 Types of Lizards Found in Ireland (2025)

Do you want to learn about the different lizards in Ireland?

Types of lizards in Ireland

If so, you’ve come to the right place! In the article below, I have listed the lizards you can expect to see. For each species, you’ll find out how to identify that lizard correctly, along with pictures, interesting facts, and RANGE MAPS!

2 Lizards IN Ireland:


#1. Common Slow Worm

  • Anguis fragilis

Types of lizards in Ireland

Identifying Characteristics:

  • Adults are 40-45 cm (15-18 in) long.
  • They are smooth, scaled, and legless, with heads that are the same width as their bodies.
  • Often these lizards have stripes that run the length of their bodies, but some are solid in color. Common coloring is olive, brown, tan, and black.

Despite their name, Slow Worms are not worms at all but rather legless lizards. And if you’re wondering whether a legless lizard is just a snake, the answer is no! The reptile world can get confusing but no less fascinating when it comes to creatures like these.

Slow Worms spend most of their time buried in sand or underneath rocks and debris. They can be hard to find unless you’re willing to upend some stones in your search!

One of the most interesting behaviors of Slow Worms and many other lizards is the ability to sever their tail to escape a predator. This skill is called Caudal Autotomy. If a predator is chasing a Slow Worm or grabs its tail, the lizard simply breaks it off and continues to escape.


#2. Viviparous Lizard

  • Zootoca vivipara

Types of lizards in Ireland

Identifying Characteristics:

  • Adults are 5-7 cm (2-3 in) long.
  • Their skin is mottled brown, tan, and black.
  • They have long tails compared to their body; however, if their tails are lost to predators, only a short stub grows back.

These tiny lizards are tough when it comes to cool weather in Ireland, and they will hibernate through the worst of winter, from October to March. They must bask in the sun to maintain their body temperature in the summer, so you’re likely to see them during the day.

Viviparous Lizards are named for their method of reproduction. Instead of laying eggs like most other reptiles, these lizards give birth to live young! It’s thought that this gives their offspring a better chance of survival because they don’t have to survive through a helpless stage of egg development. Interestingly, in some regions, this lizard does lay eggs, which may have to do with a lack of predators in the area.


Do you want to learn about MORE animals in Ireland?

Check out these ID Guides!


Which of these lizards in Ireland have you seen?

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