The Aran Rock Lizard is a lovely animal: These Lacertids use basking as part of their social life. They can be seen basking pairwise or in small groups - unlike other lizards, they even seem to enjoy physical contact. Although population densities may be high in suitable habitats, intraspecific agression seems to be moderate: We saw two adult males alternately basking on the same stone (see pictures below).
Iberolacerta aranica isn't a pure rock dweller: After thermoregulation they can be seen hunting in the grass for insects.
The distribution range of Iberolacerta aranica is limited to the Spanish Val d’Aran area and adjoining France.
Within its distribution range, this species co-occurs with Zootoca vivipara and presumably Podarcis muralis. Iberolacerta aranica differs from these species by the characteristic three big masseteric scales.
Zootoca vivipara frequently shows a dark vertebral line which lacks in Iberolacerta aranica. Furthermore, Iberolacerta aranica has a characteristic pointed snout.
Podarcis muralis may have a dark vertebral line which lacks in Iberolacerta aranica. Furthermore, it has a dark-spotted, frequently orange throat, whereas Iberolacerta aranica has an unspotted whitish throat.
Iberolacerta aranica differs from other Pyrenean Rock Lizard species (Iberolacerta bonnali, Iberolacerta aurelioi) by the characteristic three big masseteric scales.