Adder (Vipera berus)
female, Durlston Country Park
female, Isle of Portland
Adders are widespread on heathland in Dorset and Hampshire, and also quite frequent on coastal limestone on Purbeck and the Portland area.
I've described the Adder in more detail in the Reptiles & Amphibians of Derbyshire section of the site.
I've described the Adder in more detail in the Reptiles & Amphibians of Derbyshire section of the site.
Natrix natrix (Grass Snake)
Mill Lawn Brook, New Forest, Hampshire
The Grass Snake thrives in the New Forest in Hampshire, where the many pools and streams offer it ample hunting opportunities.
I've described the Grass Snake in more detail in the Reptiles & Amphibians of Derbyshire section of the site.
I've described the Grass Snake in more detail in the Reptiles & Amphibians of Derbyshire section of the site.
Coronella austriaca (Smooth Snake)
Arne RSPB Reserve, Dorset
The Smooth Snake is Britain's rarest snake, but in suitable heathland habitat in Dorset and Hampshire it can be locally abundant. Despite this, its secretive habits and subtle colouration and pattern mean it is easily overlooked. In my time on the Dorset heaths, I have only seen two smooth snakes - the one phtoographed here (see the disclaimer below) and one that was basking by the side of a track at Arne and quickly disappeared when it saw me.
Compared to the Adder and Grass Snake, the Smooth Snake is a slimmer species. It is longer than an Adder and less robust than a Grass Snake. Adults have a very muted pattern, looking rather like a brad grey-brown, plain snake at first glance. They lack the yellow neck markings of a Grass Snake and the stocky build and zigzag markings of the Adder.
Please note that Smooth Snakes are strictly protected by UK law and cannot be handled without a license. The snake shown here was being held by a licensed ranger from Arne.
Compared to the Adder and Grass Snake, the Smooth Snake is a slimmer species. It is longer than an Adder and less robust than a Grass Snake. Adults have a very muted pattern, looking rather like a brad grey-brown, plain snake at first glance. They lack the yellow neck markings of a Grass Snake and the stocky build and zigzag markings of the Adder.
Please note that Smooth Snakes are strictly protected by UK law and cannot be handled without a license. The snake shown here was being held by a licensed ranger from Arne.
Zootoca vivipara (Common Lizard)
Powerstock Common NR, Dorset
Arne RSPB Reserve, Dorset
Common Lizards are widespread in Dorset and Hampshire, occurring on heathland and other grassy sites, often where the ground remains slightly damp.
I've described the Common Lizard in more detail in the Reptiles & Amphibians of Derbyshire section of the site.
I've described the Common Lizard in more detail in the Reptiles & Amphibians of Derbyshire section of the site.
Lacerta agilis (Sand Lizard)
Arne RSPB Reserve, Dorset
Along with the Smooth Snake, this boldly-marked lizard is the classic reptile of heathland in southern England. They can be locally abundant and in spring the males are conspicuous with their bright green colouration. Many heathland sites on south-east Dorset and in the New Forest have populations of this attractive reptile.
Sand Lizards are slightly larger than Common Lizards and have a bold dorsal pattern of dark spots and blotches with white centres.
Sand Lizards are slightly larger than Common Lizards and have a bold dorsal pattern of dark spots and blotches with white centres.