 |
|
|
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? |