Slow worm

First Slow Worm (Anguis fragilis) I've seen this year. Of course it's not a worm at all, nor a snake as many might imagine, rather a legless lizard. You'll often see slow worms with missing tails (not this example though it remains complete), that's as a slow worm sheds it's tail when attacked. Weirdly the discarded tail continues to wriggle acting as enough distraction for lizard to escape. Caught out in the open this fellow was desperate to be anywhere else other than where it was, moving swiftly it soon disappeared amongst the leaf litter.

Slow worm

Although most days you wouldn't know it Spring has sprung, and out in the forest there's stirrings everywhere. This morning we happened upon a Slow Worm (Anguis fragilis) basking in what passed today for sun;  no doubt recently emerged from hibernation. It's always a thrill seeing wildlife up close.

Slowy

Easily in excess of a foot long this is a mature Slow worm (Anguis fragilis) bathing in the morning sun in the middle of the path, oblivious to our approach. I'd say this fella (I'm presuming it's a 'he' by the markings) was normally more alert, his tail didn't look as if it was regrown. It wasn't until my shutter clicked that he decided the the game was up and sidled off disappearing into the rough. Good the see such a healthy specimen. Do you know,  Slow worms can live up to 30 years old.  

Slow Worm

I've seen a fair few Slow Worms (Anguis fragilis) this year, most of them with their tales intact too! (they often will shed them to escape a predator) They're carnivorous lizards (not snakes, as many people think) living off worms, slugs and bugs, and can live up to 30 years in the wild. Weirdly, they appear stubby when stationary, though extend to double their size when on the move. It's nice to see them, and nice to know their number are on the increase, bucking the current trend for our county's wild species. This little one didn't appear too bothered by my interest, though I'm sure it was happy for me to bugger off.

Oooh, that must smart!

Oooh, that must smart! This slow Worm (Anguis fragilis) tried to remain all nonchalant as fiery Wood Ants (Formica rufa) climbed all over it, until one got on its nose. The Slow Worm didn't like that! Not acting so cool, it moved off at great speed. As you would. Wood Ants spit formic acid, one of the active chemicals found in Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica), and no one wants that up there nose.

Slow worm

Slow worm? I wonder how they got that name, as when they see you that can't half move. This time of year your senses are alert to signs of slithering, what with it being Adder season. This little fellow was an unusual find for me. I frequently come across Slow Worms, though usually they have bits missing, this little had a complete tail.