Common lizard - Warton crag (1 Viewer)

[NickPatel92]

Just thought i'd share this picture with you, from Warton crag in Lancashire - managed to get quite close up to this one:

 

[Mike Richardson]

Great picture Nick. Most lizards I see don't hang around long enough for photos.

 

[NickPatel92]

Thanks Mike,
This individual, wasn't moving away from us in the slightest, and only moved when it saw a fly.
It was in the afternoon, so it could've been tired out, possibly.

 

[MlZad]

A lot of lizards that are basking near their hiding place (where else?) that is covered by vegetation/rocks like this one feel that they are secure enough and tend not to run away, thinking that it's difficult to see them ("If I'm perfectly still, maybe they won't see me"). And it is. I.e., there is this female L. viridis that I encountered during the past few days... a couple of times I was standing 2 cm from her and didn't see her until I jerked to prevent a wasp from colliding with my nose, hehe...
The fly triggered either a food response or it got spooked because it was focused on you. Or both.
It's a nice fella, isn't it?

 

[NickPatel92]

I've seen Reptiles abroad on holiday before, but never in the UK, so to see it so close, was incredible. They are such beautiful creatures, and it was an unforgettable moment. Like you said MIzad, it was on moss, and probably trying to camouflage itself, and think we hadn't spotted it, but when it moved, it's hiding place was right next to it's basking spot.

 

[Mike Richardson]

I've seen Reptiles abroad on holiday before, but never in the UK.

If your interested in seeing more reptiles in the UK, I know a few good sites. Problem is there all in Essex and East Yorkshire!

 

[Mil]

Just thought i'd share this picture with you, from Warton crag in Lancashire - managed to get quite close up to this one:

It is a pregnant female of Zootoca vivipara. Pregnant females need much more sun and are those less shy.

Best,
Milan

 

[timwootton]

Well done Nick - super pic! Thrilling encounter, too.

 

[aeshna5]

It is a pregnant female of Zootoca vivipara. Pregnant females need much more sun and are those less shy.

Best,
Milan

Agreed, but if you look up this (new) name you probably won't find it in your books, it will be Lacerta vivipara!

 

[NickPatel92]

I have seen 4 now altogether, and they were all seen in 3 consecutive days, in 2 places: 2 at Warton crag, and 2 at Beacon fell, both in Lancs.