Effects of incubation temperature on embryo survival, incubation duration, hatchling size, post-hatching growth, and sprint speed were studied in the lizard Podarcis muralis. Embryos incubated at 32 C and 35 C hatched about 10 days before those of 28 C and over 5 wk before those of 24 C. Hatching success was high at 24 C and 28 C but much lower at higher temperatures (32 C and 35 C). Neonates incubated at low temperatures had larger snout-vent lengths and body masses (effects of egg mass removed), grew faster, and had higher sprint speeds (size effects removed) than hatchlings incubated at higher temperatures. Hence, incubation temperatures that accelerate embryo development (32-35 C) did not maximize embryo survival and hatchling characteristics. In this study, an incubation temperature of 28 C provided the best balance between developmental rate, hatching success, and posthatch performances.