sand lizard

American  

noun

1. a common lizard, Lacerta agilis, of Europe and central Asia.

2. any of several lizards, as the fringe-toed lizard, that live in sandy areas.

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sand lizard British  

noun

1. a small greyish-brown European lizard, Lacerta agilis, that has long clawed digits and, in the male, bright green underparts: family Lacertidae

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Etymology

Origin of sand lizard

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

The wild, flat landscapes dotted with gorse and heather are known for their wildlife, including rare species like the sand lizard, woodlark and silver-studded blue butterfly.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2025

In a plethora of cases, activists demanded that permits for the expansion be overturned, asserting that builders had destroyed sensitive dune reserves where the rare natterjack toad and sand lizard live and breed.

From BBC • Aug. 26, 2023

Studland Heath is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and home to all six species of native British reptiles, including the nationally endangered sand lizard and smooth snake, and the rare Dartford Warbler.

From BBC • Aug. 14, 2022

Studland Heath is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and home to all six species of native British reptiles including the rare and nationally endangered sand lizard and smooth snake and the rare Dartford Warbler.

From BBC • Aug. 13, 2022

Another man’s captive-breeding programme has revived the endangered sand lizard.

From The Guardian • Oct. 13, 2020