Food and feeding habits of the Common lizard <i>(Lacerta vivipara)</i> in the west of England

Abstract

Common lizards caught at two different localities in April‐May, July and September, were dissected and their stomach contents identified. Spiders were the principal food, andHomoptera were important in the summer months. With the exception of some distastefulforms like ants and woodlice, the proportions of invertebrates on the ground and in stomachsshowed a fairly close correspondence. Food eaten by juveniles in September was similar tothat of the adults, but the mean size of items in each category was smaller. A wide range of invertebrates was taken, and it was concluded that selection of food was on the basis of its size, taste and speed of movement.