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6965451 
Journal Article 
Traits of reproduction and feeding of the European Green Lizard, Lacerta viridis (LAURENTI, 1768), at the southern edge of its distribution 
Sagonas, K; Valakos, ED; Lymberakis, P; Pafilis, P; , 
2018 
PENSOFT PUBLISHERS 
SOFIA 
115-129 
WOS:000427340600001 
Information is provided on the feeding ecology and reproduction of the European Green Lizard, Lacerta viridis (LAURENTI, 1768), from the very south of its distribution range. The authors analyzed the stomach contents of 86 preserved specimens originating from the Greek mainland stored at the Herpetological Collection of the Natural History Museum of Crete. The prey items were identified and put in relation to the season when they were eaten, and the sex and age of the lizards. In the diet of this generalist consumer, Coleoptera and Orthopera constituted more than 50 % of the total prey items in the stomach. While season had no effect on the prey taxonomic composition of the species, sex and age clearly did. Lacerta viridis changed its feeding preferences with maturation: adult individuals selected larger and harder prey than young, males showed a higher food niche breadth and fed on harder prey items than females. As regards to reproduction, both sexes attained sexual maturity at a snout vent-length of more than than 70 mm. The reproductive activity of females and males lasted from early spring to mid-summer. Clutch size varied greatly and was negatively correlated with the clutch's average egg volume.