Adult Lizards Research Articles

Live Fast, Die Young: Life History Traits of an Apex Predator Exacerbate the Ecological Impact of a Toxic Invader.

We studied a population of large varanid lizards (yellow-spotted monitors Varanus panoptes) on a floodplain in tropical Australia. Growth records from radio-tracked lizards show that despite their large adult body sizes (to > 7 kg in males), these lizards attained sexual maturity at less than 1 year of age and rarely lived for more than 2 years (females) or 4 years (males), even before mortality increased due to the arrival of toxic cane toads (Rhinella marina). This is a "faster" life history than has been reported for other species of large monitors. Growth was especially rapid in males during the wet season. The low survivorship prior to toad invasion was due to predation by pythons; communal nesting by female varanids may render them especially vulnerable. The life history of yellow-spotted monitors requires high feeding rates, favouring the evolution of "risky" tactics such as consuming novel prey items (such as cane toads); and the combination of high abundance (> 20 adult lizards per square kilometre) and high feeding rates (> 9.9 kg of prey per lizard per annum) means that these giant lizards play a critical role in energy and nutrient flow within the floodplain ecosystem. As a result, foodwebs with the yellow-spotted monitor as an apex predator are more vulnerable to disruption by cane toads than is the case in other parts of the toad's invasive range, where the varanid species affected by toads have "slower" life histories.

Prime Basking Sites and Communal Basking in the Lizard, Lacerta bilineata; High Risk for Juveniles?

Sunlight and the heat it provides are important ecological resources for reptiles especially for those species living in temperate zones that bask extensively to maximize heat uptake. Sun basking has both benefits and costs for reptiles, giving heat that provides the energy to drive physiology but basking in open patches increases risk of predation due to higher visibility. Prime basking sites are believed to increase benefits for reptiles that include, in addition to open sunlit areas, facilitate detection of predators and prey and escape to nearby refuges. However, if such sites are limited, both inter and intra-specific interference may occur and this kind of competition may impact on a reptile’s ability to access prime basking sites, and as a consequence, its capacity to thermoregulate to optimum body temperatures. This may be especially important for juveniles, for whom rapid growth is a key factor in survivorship. We studied communal basking and interaction events at prime basking sites in the European green lizard, Lacerta bilineata, in a hedgerow in western France. We compared basking behaviour of adults and juveniles with sympatric adult wall lizards Podarcis muralis using non-invasive photographic-mark-recapture. Adult L. bilineata were more evenly distributed across basking sights compared to juveniles but significant differences were only detected between males and juveniles. Juvenile L. bilineata abandoned basking sites at the approach of both adult males and females and were aggressively removed by adult male L. bilineata. We found inter-specific communal basking between both adult and juvenile L. bilineata with adult wall lizards P. muralis. Communal basking was observed between male and female L. bilineata but not between adult males or between adult female L. bilineata. Communal basking was in proportionally greater frequency in juveniles compared to adult L. bilineata.

A tail where a limb should be: malformation of an adult Italian wall lizard Podarcis siculus

A tail where a limb should be: malformation of an adult Italian wall lizard Podarcis siculus

Analysis of subcellular energy metabolism in five Lacertidae lizards across varied environmental conditions

Aerobic respiration is the main energy source for most eukaryotes, and efficient mitochondrial energy transfer greatly influences organismal fitness. To survive environmental changes, cells have evolved to adjust their biochemistry. Thus, measuring energy metabolism at the subcellular level can enhance our understanding of individual performance, population dynamics, and species distribution ranges. We investigated three important metabolic traits at the subcellular level in five lacertid lizard species sampled from different elevations, from sea level up to 2000 m. We examined hemoglobin concentration, two markers of oxidative stress (catalase activity and carbonyl concentration) and maximum rate of metabolic respiration at the subcellular level (potential metabolic activity at the electron transport system). The traits were analysed in laboratory acclimated adult male lizards to investigate the adaptive metabolic responses to the variable environmental conditions at the local sampling sites. Potential metabolic activity at the cellular level was measured at four temperatures – 28 °C, 30 °C, 32 °C and 34 °C – covering the range of preferred body temperatures of the species studied. Hemoglobin content, carbonyl concentration and potential metabolic activity did not differ significantly among species. Interspecific differences were found in the catalase activity, Potential metabolic activity increased with temperature in parallel in all five species. The highest response of the metabolic rate with temperature (Q10) and Arrhenius activation energy (Ea) was recorded in the high-mountain species Iberolacerta monticola.

Stable isotopes reveal sex- and context-dependent amino acid routing in green anole lizards (Anolis carolinensis).

Allocation of acquired resources to phenotypic traits is affected by resource availability and current selective context. While differential investment in traits is well documented, the mechanisms driving investment at lower levels of biological organization, which are not directly related to fitness, remain poorly understood. We supplemented adult male and female Anolis carolinensis lizards with an isotopically labelled essential amino acid (13C-leucine) to track routing in four tissues (muscle, liver, gonads, and spleen) under different combinations of resource availability (high and low-calorie diets) and exercise training (sprint training and endurance capacity). We predicted sprint training should drive routing to muscle, and endurance training to liver and spleen, and that investment in gonads should be of lower priority in each of the cases of energetic stress. We found complex interactions between training regime, diet, and tissue type in females, and between tissue type and training and tissue type and diet in males, suggesting that males and females adjust their 13C-leucine routing strategies differently in response to similar environmental challenges. Importantly, our data show evidence of increased 13C-leucine routing in training contexts not to muscle as we expected, but to the spleen, which turns over blood cells, and to the liver, which supports metabolism under differing energetic scenarios. Our results reveal the context-specific nature of long-term tradeoffs associated with increased chronic activity. They also illustrate the importance of considering the costs of locomotion in studies of life history strategies.

Consumption of centipedes promotes growth and gut microbiome homeostasis in a lizard

AbstractAnimals are known for their self‐medicating behavior, and food composition also contributes to animal fitness. In this study, we investigated the dietary habits of endangered Chinese crocodile lizards and found that, compared to adult lizards, juvenile lizards consumed more centipedes, a trend validated through controlled feeding experiments. Juvenile lizards fed with centipedes demonstrated faster growth rates and better body conditions than those fed an earthworm‐only diet, despite no increase in food intake. The centipede‐added group showed lower species richness in the gut microbiome and had more abundant fermentative bacteria, such as Bacteroides, Paraclostridium, and Enterococcus, whereas the earthworm‐only group had more abundant non‐fermentative opportunistic pathogens. Higher concentrations of short‐chain fatty acids, which are mainly derived from bacterial fermentation in the gut, were found in the feces of the centipede‐added group. Therefore, consumption of centipedes promoted the growth and gut microbiota homeostasis of juvenile lizards. This study emphasizes the significance of preserving food diversity in natural environments and increasing dietary diversity in captive populations.

Testosterone is closely related to Leydig cell activity, environmental factors, and androgen receptor distribution in adult male lizards of Liolaemus cuyanus (Reptilia: Liolaemidae) during the reproductive cycle.

Testosterone, the primary sex hormone in male lizards, is closely linked to Leydig cell activity (the cells where steroidogenesis occurs) throughout the reproductive cycle, but testosterone action is related to androgen receptors (ARs) distribution in the seminiferous epithelium. In temperate zones, environmental factors detected through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, downregulate plasma testosterone, resulting in a seasonal reproductive cycle. The aim of this work is to study plasma testosterone in adult male lizards of Liolaemus cuyanus, an oviparous species, throughout its reproductive cycle and its relationship with Leydig cell histology, TotalLeydigCell/ActiveLeydigCell (TLC/ALC) ratio, environmental factors (temperature, relative humidity and solar irradiation) and ARs distribution in seminiferous epithelium. Specimens (N = 27) were captured (October to March) in a semi-arid zone (Valle de Matagusanos, San Juan, Argentina) and grouped into three relevant reproductive periods: pre-reproductive (PrR), reproductive (R), and post-reproductive (PsR). Significant differences in plasma testosterone were found among these periods, highest during R than in PsR. A significant positive correlation between plasma testosterone and TLC/ALC ratio was also observed. Plasma testosterone has a significant positive correlation only with solar irradiation, but not with the other variables. In PrR and R, ARs distribution was cytoplasmic and nuclear, shifting to only cytoplasmic in PsR. These results highlight the close correspondence between plasma testosterone, Leydig cell histology and activity, environmental factors, and ARs distribution, resulting in a synchronization that allows males of L. cuyanus to coordinate their reproductive cycle with the most favorable environmental conditions, probably for mating and birth of offspring.

Tick-tock, racing the clock: parasitism is associated with decreased sprint performance in the Eastern fence lizard

Abstract Host–parasite relationships are important components of ecological systems that influence the evolution of both hosts and parasites. High levels of ectoparasitic infections can disrupt host homeostasis, causing adverse effects on health and performance. However, the effects of natural ectoparasite levels on host physiology are less understood, with most research designs implementing experimental or hormonal manipulations of hosts. In this study, we examined the interplay between tick parasitism and host characteristics on body condition and locomotor performance in Eastern fence lizards in natural settings. We found a higher frequency of tick infections in male lizards relative to females, with larger males being more likely to experience tick infection. Infected lizards had reduced locomotor performance, max sprint speed and 2-m run speed. Together this suggests an energetic trade-off between increased immune function and reduced locomotor performance, which is consistent with the immunocompetence–handicap hypothesis. Higher numbers of ticks on adult male lizards may be explained by age as well as the immunosuppressive effects of testosterone. Tick infection did not appear to reduce overall body condition of lizard hosts. Our findings shed light on the interplay between ectoparasitic infection, host characteristics, and locomotor performance under natural conditions. Such insights are crucial for understanding host–parasite dynamics and determining the trade-offs for hosts within ecological contexts.

INFECTIOUS STOMATITIS IN CAPTIVE SALVATOR MERIANAE LIZARDS

Infectious stomatitis is a common ailment in captive reptiles, it arises from a combination of predisposing factors such as poor nutritional conditions, habitat issues or stress, where normal oral flora microorganisms act as pathogens, facilitating the disease development. This study aims to describe infectious stomatitis in a captive population of adult Salvator merianae lizards and to propose prophylactic measures for their maintenance in captivity. Within a population of 57 animals, a morbidity rate of 19.2% and a mortality rate of 7% were estimated. Microbiological analysis of oral mucosa revealed Pseudomonas aeruginosa susceptible to ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and amikacin. Symptoms ranged from asymptomatic to animals with mild oral cavity lesions or severe stomatitis, with some cases exhibiting respiratory complications. Histopathological examination of lung samples was consistent with caseous pneumonia. Intramuscular ceftazidime treatment and oral disinfection yielded excellent results for lizards with stomatitis, although a favorable response was not observed in animals with pneumonia.

Sexual dimorphism in the lacertid lizard Apathya cappadocica (Werner, 1902) (Reptilia: Lacertidae) from southeastern Türkiye

Apathya cappadocica is a medium-sized lizard species included in the family Lacertidae. The species is known from Türkiye, Northern Syria, Iraq, and Western Iran. Sexual dimorphism (SD), which is a phenomenon including phenotypic differences between males and females, has many effects on behaviour, shape and size characteristics. A total of 87 adult lizard specimens collected from south-eastern Anatolia were used in this study. The results of ANOVA showed that all morphometric features exhibited a pattern in which males have larger size than females. According to principal component analysis (PCA), the first three factors explain 81.553% of the total variance. Differences in head size between sexes have been well-documented in lizards and are associated with male-male aggression which results in mating success. This kind of pattern is supported by this study. Additionally, the results showed that males have more femoral pores, which is a signalling mechanism for sexual selection, than females. In conclusion, it can be accepted that the species in the genus Apathya has a similar pattern in accordance with the larger male theory.

Lower-level predictors and behavioral correlates of maximal aerobic capacity and sprint speed among individual lizards.

The standard paradigm of organismal biology views lower-level traits (e.g. aspects of physiology) as determining organismal performance ability (e.g. maximal sprint speed), which in turn constrains behavior (e.g. social interactions). However, few studies have simultaneously examined all three levels of organization. We used focal observations to record movement behaviors and push-up displays in the field for adult male Sceloporus occidentalis lizards during the breeding season. We then captured animals, measured aspects of their physiology, morphology and performance, and counted ectoparasites and endoparasites as potential predictors of sprint speed and maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O2,max). Field behaviors were statistically repeatable, but not strongly so. Sprint speed and V̇O2,max were repeatable using residuals from regressions on body mass (speed: r=0.70; V̇O2,max: r=0.88). Both calf [standardized partial regression (path) coefficient B=0.53] and thigh [B=-0.37] muscle mass (as residuals from regressions on body mass) were significant predictors of sprint speed; hemoglobin concentration (B=0.42) was a predictor of V̇O2,max. In turn, V̇O2,max predicted the maximum number of four-legged push-ups per bout (B=0.39). In path analysis, log likelihood ratio tests indicated no direct paths from lower-level traits to behavior, supporting the idea that morphology, in the broad sense, only affects behavior indirectly through measures of performance. Our results show that inter-individual variation in field behaviors can be related to performance ability, which in turn reflect differences in morphology and physiology, although not parasite load. Given the low repeatability of field behaviors, some of the relationships between behavior and performance may be stronger than suggested by our results.

Changes in clinicomorphometrical findings, lipid profiles, hepatorenal indices and oxidant/antioxidant status as thermoregulatory adaptive mechanisms in poikilothermic Dabb lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia)

Wildlife has exposed to various environmental stressors. Reptiles (ectothermic) are highly susceptible to climatic changes due to their behaviour, physiology, and life history that were so heavily reliant on the ambient environmental temperature. The present work aims to monitor different biochemical and haematological indices of Dabb lizards (Uromastyx aegyptia) at various thermal gradients as well as their adaptation to oxidative stress. This has been reflected through assessment of their impact on some adaptive physiological traits i.e. thermoregulation, and muscle metabolic biomarkers, blood pictures and oxidant/antioxidant status. This experiment is carried out on non-hibernating adult male Dabb lizards (U. aegyptia; n = 24) of age of 18–24 months. These Dabb lizards are divided into four equal groups (n = 6 for each one) where they are exposed to different thermal treatments for one week as following; control group [Exposed to terrarium temperature 38–39 °C], low temperature exposed group [Exposed to 12–14 °C], Gp. C; moderate temperature exposed group [Exposed to 41–43 °C] and high temperature exposed group [Exposed to 43–45 °C]. Each independent group (n = 6) are kept at separated glass terraria. The investigated lizards are monitored for body temperature, morphometric measurements i.e. body weight (g) and total body length (cm; TBL), muscle biochemical analysis, haematological pictures indices and serum biochemical assays including mainly oxidant/antioxidants biomarkers throughout the current experiment. The results state that the thermoregulatory behaviour of Dabb varies with the increase of concentration of muscular metabolic enzymes. In low temperature exposed group, the increase in red blood corpuscles (RBCs), haemoglobin concentrations (Hb), white blood cell (WBC), serum antioxidant biomarkers and anaerobic Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme are associated with a marked reduction in serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), total proteins (TPs), albumin, glucose and electrolytes. In moderate temperature exposed group, a significant elevation in serum values of TC, TGs, TPs, glucose, urea and uric acids levels are mentioned. In high temperature exposed Dabb group, a remarkable increase in blood values of RBCs, Hb, haematocrit value (HCT), WBC, T. chol., TGs, TPs, glucose, urea, uric acids, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels are also observed. Moreover, significant increases in muscular anaerobic/aerobic metabolic enzymes as well as stimulation of antioxidant defence system have been reported. Different significant correlations have been stated between variably estimated laboratory indices in the investigated Dabb lizards under different thermal treatments. The study concludes that the Dabb lizards have a strong antioxidant defence system and undergo physiological thermoregulatory adaptive mechanisms, that involve biochemical and metabolic acclimatization as a response to environmental temperature changes that act as a protective mechanism against oxidative stress as well as maintained homeostatic responses and normal physiological functions.

Adult neurogenesis in the telencephalon of the lizard Podarcis liolepis.

In adult lizards, new neurons are generated from neural stem cells in the ventricular zone of the lateral ventricles. These new neurons migrate and integrate into the main telencephalic subdivisions. In this work we have studied adult neurogenesis in the lizard Podarcis liolepis (formerly Podarcis hispanica) by administering [3H]-thymidine and bromodeoxyuridine as proliferation markers and euthanizing the animals at different survival times to determine the identity of progenitor cells and to study their lineage derivatives. After short survival times, only type B cells are labeled, suggesting that they are neural stem cells. Three days after administration, some type A cells are labeled, corresponding to recently formed neuroblasts. Type A cells migrate to their final destinations, where they differentiate into mature neurons and integrate into functional circuits. Our results after long survival periods suggest that, in addition to actively dividing type B cells, there is also a type B subpopulation with low proliferative activity. We also found that new neurons incorporated into the olfactory bulb are generated both in situ, in the walls of the anterior extension of the lateral ventricle of the olfactory bulbs, but also at more caudal levels, most likely in anterior levels of the sulcus ventralis/terminalis. These cells follow a tangential migration toward the olfactory bulbs where they integrate. We hypothesized that at least part of the newly generated neurons would undergo a specialization process over time. In support of this prediction, we found two neuronal populations in the cellular layer of the medial cortex, which we named type I and II neurons. At intermediate survival times (1 month) only type II neurons were labeled with [3H]-thymidine, while at longer survival times (3, 6, or 12 months) both type I and type II neurons were labeled. This study sheds light on the ultrastructural characteristics of the ventricular zone of P. liolepis as a neurogenic niche, and adds to our knowledge of the processes whereby newly generated neurons in the adult brain migrate and integrate into their final destinations.

Headbobing behavior in the high mountain lizard Phymaturus palluma: effects of sex and context

Abstract Headbobbing represents one of the primary sources of communication in Iguanian lizards. Here, we describe and analyze for the first time the form and structure of the headbob display in a species of the Phymaturus genus, and compare it across sexes, social contexts, and with other species of its family. We video-recorded Phymaturus palluma adult lizards, obtained the form and structure of headbobs and evaluated the effect of sex and social context on their performing generalized linear mixed models. We found that in P. palluma, headbob is a complex display composed of several units. Headbob pattern is stereotyped, with less than 35% of variation between individuals, suggesting that it is species-specific. Moreover, units vary among sex and social context, revealing that this display is multicomponent and non-redundant following the multiple-message hypothesis. We also found that the headbob pattern was more complex than in other Liolaemidae lizards, which probably is related to the social systems registered in Phymaturus.

CAUSES OF MORTALITY AND COMORBIDITIES IN CAIMAN LIZARDS (DRACAENA GUIANENSIS) AT SIX ZOOLOGICAL INSTITUTIONS.

An understanding of the main causes of mortality in caiman lizards (Dracaena guianensis) under managed care is imperative to promote optimal husbandry, health, and welfare. A retrospective review of morbidity and mortality in caiman lizards from North American zoological institutions between 2005 and 2020 was conducted. Postmortem data, including gross necropsy and histopathology findings, were available for 32 caiman lizards (n = 12 subadults, n = 20 adults) from six zoological institutions. Necropsy reports were evaluated to collect general demographic data, categorize cause of death (accident/trauma, congenital/genetic, degenerative/geriatric, infectious, deposition disease, neoplastic, unknown, and multifactorial), and assess common comorbidities. Infectious disease was the most common cause of mortality in adult lizards (8/20; 40%) with amoebiasis and bacterial etiologies being overrepresented. Demise due to traumatic/accidental injury was the second most common cause of death in adult lizards (3/20;15%) and included blunt force trauma or suspected drowning. Infectious disease (4/12; 33.3%) and trauma/accidental injury (4/12; 33.3%) were also the most common causes of death in subadults. The most common comorbidities or other incidental findings identified during necropsy included trematode parasitism (15/32; 46.9%), arteriosclerosis (11/32; 34.4%), and adrenocortical hyperplasia (6/32; 18.8%). This retrospective review suggests that management practices to prevent and control infectious diseases and mitigate traumatic injury play a pivotal role in the long-term care and survival of caiman lizards in managed care.

Effects of an immune challenge on the thermal preferences of adult and newborn Liolaemus lizards from Patagonia, Argentina.

Body temperature has relevant effects on the immune response. Here, we characterized the thermal biology and health condition of the viviparous lizard Liolaemus kingii from Patagonia (Argentina), by studying field body temperatures, presence of injuries or ectoparasites, body condition (BC), and individual immune response capacity with the phytohemagglutinin (PHA) skin-swelling assay. In addition, we analyzed the effects of injections of a bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide; LPS) on the preferred temperature (Tp) and BC of adult males and newborns. The PHA treatment caused detectable thickening at 2 and 20 hours post-assay in males, indicating a significant immune response related to an increase in cellular activity. LPS-challenged lizards thermoregulated accurately and at stable body temperatures within the 50% interquartile of Tp (Tset) over the 72-hour period while the control group showed a more variable and lower Tp. Exposure to LPS negatively affected the BC of newborns, whereas it did not affect the BC of adult males. LPS challenges, used as a proxy of pathogen exposures to study lizard behavioral thermoregulation, constitute a practical approach to assess the immunological constraints lizards from high-latitude regions may face due to global warming and anthropogenic disturbances.

The Periodic Replacement of Adhesive Setae in Pad Lamellae of Climbing Lizards Is Driven by Patterns of Corneous Layer Growth

The adhesive digital pads in some gecko and anoline lizards are continuously utilized for movements on vertical surfaces that may determine wear and a decrease of adhesion efficiency. The pads are formed by lamellae bearing adhesive setae that are worn out following frequent usage and are replaced by new inner setae that maintain an efficient adhesion. Whether the extensive usage of adhesive setae determines a higher shedding frequency in the digital pads with respect to other body regions remains unknown. Setae replacement has been analyzed in embryos and adult lizards using autoradiography and 5BrdU-immunohistochemistry. The observation strongly suggests that during development and epidermal renewal in adult lamellae, there is a shifting of the outer setae toward the apex of the lamella. This movement is likely derived from the continuous addition of proteins in the beta- and alpha-layers sustaining the outer setae while the inner setae are forming. Ultrastructural and in situ hybridization studies indicate that the thin outer beta- and alpha-layers still contain mRNAs and ribosomes that may contribute to the continuous production of corneous beta proteins (CBPs) and keratins for the growth of the free margin at the apex of the lamella. This process determines the apical shifting and release of the old setae, while the new inner setae formed underneath becomes the new outer setae.

04. Eastern green lizard Lacerta viridis predation on adult wall lizard Podarcis muralis - another reason for tail loss in small lacertids?

04. Eastern green lizard Lacerta viridis predation on adult wall lizard Podarcis muralis - another reason for tail loss in small lacertids?

Artificial light at night alters diurnal and nocturnal behavior and physiology in green anole lizards

Artificial light at night (ALAN) disrupts biological rhythms across widely diverse organisms. To determine how energy is allocated by animals in different light environments, we investigated the impacts of ALAN on behavior and physiology of diurnal green anole lizards (Anolis carolinensis). Two groups of 24 adult lizards (half males, half females) were maintained in a controlled lab setting for six weeks. One group was exposed to a simulated natural summer light-dark cycle; the other was exposed to ALAN that simulated urban, nocturnal light exposure. After an acclimation period, we conducted four behavioral trials. One trial examined behavioral time allocation over two 24 h periods, and three others were conducted during mid-day and mid-night: open field tests, to examine exploratory behavior; foraging trials, to examine prey consumption; and social interaction trials, to examine same-sex interactions. We then measured each lizard's snout-vent length and mass of its body, abdominal fat pads, liver, and, for males, testes. Lizards exposed to ALAN were more likely to be awake at night, using nocturnal light to explore, forage, and display to conspecifics. However, during the day, ALAN lizards were less likely to be awake, slower to move, and females displayed less frequently. ALAN lizards had heavier fat pads and testes, but ALAN did not impact body mass, liver mass, or snout-vent length. In sum, ALAN appears to cause a broad shift towards increased nocturnal activity and may alter metabolic and reproductive processes. Future work should examine the fitness consequences of these behavioral and physiological changes.

First record of Ixodes ricinus (Acari; Ixodidae) in European glass lizard (Pseudopus apodus; Anguidae) and a review of ectoparasite studies in reptiles in Turkey

Three adult European glass lizards (Pseudopus apodus Klembara) were caught in the garden of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University (Samsun, Turkey) and were observed to have a tick infestation. During macroscopic examination, tick samples were collected from the lateral groove on both sides of the lizard by using blunt-tip tweezers. All the samples were examined under the microscope and belonged to Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus) larvae and nymphs. This is the first report of a tick species or infestation in European glass lizard. In addition, we provide a detailed review of all studies conducted to date on reptile ectoparasites in Turkey.