Reptiles at Allerthorpe

After a frosty, foggy start to the day and a cloudy morning, the sun finally came out around mid-day. At this time of year reptiles take every opportunity to bask in the sun and get themselves active again, after their long hibernation. Allerthorpe Common has three reptile species - adder, common lizard and slow-worm. Today I found a common lizard and four adders, all of them females. They’re not easy to find, as they’re masters of camouflage. You expect them to be sluggish in the spring sunshine, but at the approach of heavy boots, they can simply vanish into the undergrowth. Great care is needed to avoid disturbing them.

Spot the lizard

Two adders, superbly camouflaged

Adder basking in the spring sunshine

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