Spotting fascinating reptiles on Arran

The late spring can be a great time to spot some of Arran’s fascinating reptiles. Common lizards, slow worms and adders can all be found. On warm sunny days, try walking slowly along one of Arran’s south facing glens such as Glen Rosa. Scan the ground a few metres ahead and tread carefully with camera at the ready.

Slow worms

Despite the name, slow worms are actually leg-less lizards. They can grow up to about 50cms long and are occasionally mistaken for snakes. Unlike the adder, they rarely bask in the sun and prefer to hide amongst stones, wood and compost heaps. They usually have a dark stripe running down the back and females tend to show a darker belly and sides. Both common lizards and slow worms can shed their tails if caught by a predator, giving them a chance to escape, the tail is later re-grown.

Common lizards

A sun-loving species which feeds on insects, spiders, earthworms and caterpillars, lizards can grow up to about 15cms and usually show dark and pale stripes running down the body.

Males have a colourful underbelly while females tend to be duller. South facing rocky scree slopes are a good place to look for lizards. Approach very slowly for the best chance of a photograph.

Adders

Another sun-loving species, adders are the only venomous snake in Britain and the only snake species found on Arran. Adders feed on small mammals, amphibians, insects and birds. They inject the victim with venom then swallow them whole.

Adders can vary in colour but generally males are grey with a dark zig-zag while females tend to be a rusty brown colour with a dark brown zig-zag. Completely black (melanistic) adders are also quite common on Arran. At this time of year males will have already shed their skin and look very fresh ready to attract a mate.

Mating takes place in April/May and males become territorial and compete for females. Females give birth to live young in late summer.

Bites are rare and only happen if the snake is accidentally disturbed or deliberately antagonised. If bitten you should seek immediate medical attention but bites are rarely fatal in humans or pets.

Remember the above species are all protected by law and if you find them it is best to admire from a distance.

If you would like to keep up to date with goings on, check out our website www. nts.org.uk or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ArranRangerService /.

Arran’s only snake species, an adder, with its distinctive zig-zag pattern.

The slow worm is actually a type of lizard.

The common lizard that can be found on Arran.