noun
Japanese grass lizard; lacertid lizard
Refers to lizards of the family Lacertidae, especially the common Japanese grass lizard (Takydromus tachydromoides). Usually written in kana.
庭でカナヘビを見つけた。
I found a Japanese grass lizard in the garden.
カナヘビは昆虫を食べる。
Japanese grass lizards eat insects.
Rare kanji form; it is rarely used.
トカゲ is a general term for lizards, while カナヘビ refers specifically to lacertid lizards, especially the Japanese grass lizard.
The origin is uncertain. The name may derive from 金蛇 (kana-hebi, literally 'metal snake'), referring to its shiny appearance, but this is not confirmed.