Now that the weather is really starting to warm up, it's the time of year to start seeing reptiles. These species are often found in warmer micro-climates where they can often be found basking in the sun to warm their bodiesThe UK is home to a few species; 3 snakes and 3 lizards, each with its own unique characteristics and habitat preferences. Here's a quick guide to the terrestrial reptiles you can find in the UK and how to identify them:

Adder (Vipera berus)

  • The adder is the UK's only venomous snake. Although its venom doesn't usually pose a risk to humans, bites can be painful and the Adder is generally not aggressive unless provoked.
  • It is commonly found in heathland, moorland, and woodland habitats throughout the UK feeding on small mammals, birds, lizards and invertebrates.
  • Adders are easily recognisable by their distinctive black zigzag pattern along their backs. Adults reach around 60 - 80cm.
Adder (Vipera berus)

Barred Grass Snake (Natrix helvetica)

  • Grass snakes are non-venomous and are semi-aquatic.
  • They are typically found near water sources such as ponds, lakes, and rivers throughout England and Wales, and frequently prey on as toads and frogs.
  • Grass snakes have olive-green to brown scales with dark barred markings along their sides and a white collar behind the head. They are our largest species, usually 90-150cm in length.
  • After genetic analysis in 2017, they were concluded to be a separate species from Grass Snakes (Natrix natrix) and were reclassified as Barred Grass Snakes.
Barred Grass Snake (Natrix helvetica)

Smooth Snake (Coronella austriaca)

  • The smooth snake is a rare species in the UK and is found mainly in heathland habitats, particularly in southern England where many of these have become protected areas.
  • It resembles the adder but lacks the zigzag pattern on its back. they are brown, grey or a reddish brown colour with subtle spots running down the back, and occasionally cross-bars around the neck. They reach a length of around 60 - 75cm.
  • Smooth snakes are non-venomous and feed primarily on lizards and small mammals.
Smooth Snake (Coronella austriaca)

Slowworm (Anguis fragilis)

  • Despite its name and appearance, the slowworm neither a worm nor a snake but a legless lizard.
  • It is often found in grassy habitats, gardens, and woodland edges throughout England, Scotland and Wales. They burrow, so commonly turn up in compost heaps and log piles
  • Slowworms have smooth, shiny bodies ranging in colour from silver-grey to golden-brown and are smaller than our other snake species; typically 40-55cm long. Unlike snakes, they have closable eyelids and round pupils.
Slowworm (Anguis fragilis)

Common, or Viviparous, Lizard (Zootoca vivipara)

  • The common lizard is the UK's most widespread reptile species, feeding on a variety of insects and spiders in habitats including heathland, grassland, woodland edges, and gardens throughout the British Isles and Ireland.
  • These lizards are small, 50 - 70mm on average, and agile, usually brown or grey with darker markings.
Common Lizard (Zootoca vivipara)

Sand Lizard (Lacerta agilis)

  • Sand lizards are the UK's rarest lizard species, though are more common on mainland Europe and Western Asia. It is strictly protected under UK and EU law.
  • In the UK they are found mainly in sandy coastal heathland habitats in southern England, where the ground temperature is high enough year-round to allow their eggs to survive.
  • They are known for their distinctive green colouration of males during the breeding season. Females are a more muted brown, but are still highly patterned with leopard-like spots. They are much larger than the Common Lizard, with males reaching 190mm.
Sand Lizard (Lacerta agilis)