Slow worm.

[JohnP]

I was out on the Malvern Hills taking landscapes and trying a new lens, I even had a polarising filter fitted. No time to mess about even to remove the filter.

 

 

Canon EOS 60D, Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
1/50s f/11.0 at 35.0mm iso1600

[bugmeister]

Love the markings on this critter. Well seen

[ChrisLumix]

Great capture, and I much prefer it to all those bugs!

 

By the way, you never need to remove a polarising filter. It will never hurt a shot except reduce some of the light hitting the sensor which can be negated by simply twisting it through 90º.

[annie]

well spotted and well taken John. I am sure I would freak out if I came across one of these. 

[JohnP]

well spotted and well taken John. I am sure I would freak out if I came across one of these. 

 

They are totally harmless annie!   They are legless lizards not snakes. Did you know that they have eyelids and snakes don't.... just a piece of useless information...

 

That lizard we took shots of at Wicken Fen didn't bother you, I want to go there again.

[annie]

No it's strange John, anything with legs is ok, it's things without legs I freak over. Slugs, snails, worms snakes...anything that slithers....eeeek!

[JohnP]

No it's strange John, anything with legs is ok, it's things without legs I freak over. Slugs, snails, worms snakes...anything that slithers....eeeek!

 

You are a funny b***er...

[JohnP]

Last summer I went out with an experienced guide to seek out reptiles, it was great. Wearing gloves I was able to hold an Adder, the guide was amazing at knowing where to find snakes and lizards.

 

[annie]

My sister got bitten by an adder in some woods in Hertfordshire...sniggers! Sat down on some grass for a picnic and ended up in Lister Hospital....!!!

[JohnP]

They usually only attack when they feel threatened, more often they just retreat to the undergrowth. Your sister was very unlucky.

[annie]

Made my day! 

[ChrisLumix]

They are totally harmless annie!   They are legless lizards not snakes. Did you know that they have eyelids and snakes don't.... just a piece of useless information...

 

That lizard we took shots of at Wicken Fen didn't bother you, I want to go there again.

 

Obviously been at the slow gin

[JohnP]

slow gin

 

Back to school Chris!  you mean Sloe gin...

[ChrisLumix]

Back to school Chris!  you mean Sloe gin...

 

Oh of course - it's a SLOE WORM !!!  

[JohnP]

I wonder who named them Slow worm in the first place... stupid name... they are neither slow or a worm. It was in the grass at the side of the path in seconds when it sensed my presence.

[NannyFerret]

It must be an excellent shot as it made me cringe. Lol

[ChrisLumix]

I'm sure you're right John, that it's  technically not a snake - but we were taught at school that it was one of the "three British snakes", along with the grass snake and adder. I wish they would teach kids more factual accuracy.

[JohnP]

I'm sure you're right John, that it's  technically not a snake - but we were taught at school that it was one of the "three British snakes", along with the grass snake and adder. I wish they would teach kids more factual accuracy.

 

You are correct in saying there are only three snakes in the British Isles, you have mentioned two... the third is rarely seen and that's the Smooth Snake. It's restricted to southern heathlands and is Britains answer to the Boa Constrictor. Smooth snakes kill or subdue their meals by squeezing the life out of them before finally swallowing the unfortunate victim whole.

[ChrisLumix]

Oh right - just my memory letting me down! To be honest, I must have heard about the Smooth Snake last so long ago that I've forgotten it utterly.

[JohnP]

Oh right - just my memory letting me down! To be honest, I must have heard about the Smooth Snake last so long ago that I've forgotten it utterly.

 

I wouldn't worry, I forget stuff all the time.... I have to carry a small note pad... I used to go to the supermarket with my list in my head... now I just forget my head... Anyway you will probably never see a Smooth Snake, I'm out walking looking at nature a lot and the only Adder I've seen was last year when I was with a reptile expert. Having that Adder in my glooved hand was amazing, such a beautiful creature.