Notice: Undefined index: forum_id in /home/sites/herpetofauna.org.uk/public_html/forum_archive/forum_posts.php on line 69 Deprecated: mysql_connect(): The mysql extension is deprecated and will be removed in the future: use mysqli or PDO instead in /home/sites/herpetofauna.org.uk/public_html/forum_archive/forum_posts.php on line 73

RAUK - Archived Forum - Slow worm?

This contains the Forum posts up until the end of March, 2011. Posts may be viewed but cannot be edited or replied to - nor can new posts be made. More recent posts can be seen on the new Forum at http://www.herpetofauna.co.uk/forum/

Forum Home

Slow worm?:

Author Message
JKLawrence
Member
Joined: 06 Sep 2004
No. of posts: 2


View other posts by JKLawrence
Posted: 06 Sep 2004
I spotted a "snake" in my compost heap today. I didn't know how to identify slow worms at the time, so I just made a mental note of features: greyish brown, dark brown/black spots down its back alternating in neat rows, large yellow patch on the back of its head. It had a black, forked tongue. I did not notice its head shape.

From its behaviour (in a compost heap at egg-laying time) I am guessing it's a slow worm. However, it didn't look like any of the pictures I've seen. Does anyone know whether the description I've given is a plausible variant for a (presumably female) slow worm?
frogworlduk
Senior Member
Joined: 19 Aug 2003
No. of posts: 72


View other posts by frogworlduk
Posted: 06 Sep 2004

umm... how long was it? i've never seen a slow worm with a large yellow patch behind the back of its head. i would say it is probably a grass snake.but i've also never seen a greyish brown grass snake . so anyone else have a suggestion? but i would say a grass snake.

mark

 


B Lewis
Krag Committee
Joined: 24 Aug 2004
No. of posts: 146


View other posts by B Lewis
Posted: 06 Sep 2004

I would go with Grass snake, the greyish brown is a description I've heard before but is often more like an olive green. The yellow patch should be confirmation enough as you don't find this variant on slow worms.

Can I suggest you look at the 'Creeping up on Grassies' forum to see some pictures of grass snakes and also have a look at the ID pages of this website for some great information on both the mentioned species.

Click on the following links:

http://www.herpetofauna.co.uk/identification.htm

or

http://www.herpetofauna.co.uk/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=697

Kind regards

Brett.


Lewis Ecology
Brett Lewis Photography
Kent Reptile & Amphibian Group
DICE - University of Kent
Robert V
Senior Member
Joined: 06 Aug 2004
No. of posts: 717


View other posts by Robert V
Posted: 06 Sep 2004

 

I'd go along with you there Brett, try " pictures and questions from robert" if you'd like to see a colour variation on the usual Grass Snake. anything with a yellow collar has to be one, and at this time of year its probably a neo coming out of a compost heap!

By the way Brett, I did get the info you sent on the canon 300, thanks very much. I'm going to shoot down a camera shop soon and see if my lenses will fit it. Did you see the reply with the big bunch of adders? have a look and let me know what you think.


RobV
JKLawrence
Member
Joined: 06 Sep 2004
No. of posts: 2


View other posts by JKLawrence
Posted: 08 Sep 2004
Thanks everyone - yes, looking at the pictures, it must have been a grass snake. It didn't even occur to me to look that up, since mine wasn't green - but clearly a lot of them aren't. The markings make it certain. Maybe this brownish one chose the compost heap because it blended in well there. Well, it should be very happy, as we've got lots of mice and voles for it to eat. Thanks again!

- Slow worm?

Content here