T. tangitanus can reach a total length (including tail) of about 70 cm (28 in).

The body is green or brown, with blue ocelli on the back.

For decades T. tangitanus has been regarded as belonging to the genus Lacerta.

T. tangitanus is found in Northwest Africa (mountains of northwestern Algeria, mediterranean regions of Morocco and Western Sahara).

It prefers woodland edge, scrub and rocky areas.