Bright green lizard?

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   Hello forum, 

I farm in the Cumbrian Lake District and was surprised to see a bright 

green lizard(?) when checking my sheep one sunny afternoon. We let 

the meadow grass run high in this particular field (thanks to a a higher 

level stewardship scheme) and have recently restored an old pond in 

the area, Im not sure if this has a bearing or not. The creature was 

probably about 4-5 in long and sped through the grass at my walking 

pace. I was surprised at the metallic looking green colour. It 

dissapeared into a dry stone wall. I'm very familiar with newts as we 

see a lot of these and this definately not one of those, it had legs and 

classic lizard shape so not a slow worm or 'owt like it. We'd love some 

advice as to what it was as my missus reckons I've been sniffing 

tractor fumes when I told her.....

Thanks for any advice

steve Lainson

pickthall ground farm

Cumbria

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Steve L Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 23 Jul 2009 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 2	Post Options Post Reply Quote Steve L Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Bright green lizard? Posted: 23 Jul 2009 at 10:44pm
	Hello forum, I farm in the Cumbrian Lake District and was surprised to see a bright green lizard(?) when checking my sheep one sunny afternoon. We let the meadow grass run high in this particular field (thanks to a a higher level stewardship scheme) and have recently restored an old pond in the area, Im not sure if this has a bearing or not. The creature was probably about 4-5 in long and sped through the grass at my walking pace. I was surprised at the metallic looking green colour. It dissapeared into a dry stone wall. I'm very familiar with newts as we see a lot of these and this definately not one of those, it had legs and classic lizard shape so not a slow worm or 'owt like it. We'd love some advice as to what it was as my missus reckons I've been sniffing tractor fumes when I told her..... Thanks for any advice steve Lainson pickthall ground farm Cumbria

Iowarth Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Status: Offline Points: 743	Post Options Post Reply Quote Iowarth Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 23 Jul 2009 at 10:57pm
	Hi Steve Given the location and particularly the description I would say this was a green Common Lizard. This is not an uncommon variation although not often as bright as you suggest. But, the description, "metallic looking green" is definitely typical of the green normally seen with Common Lizards. You can see a picture of a green phase Common Lizard on the ARC gallery - go to http://www.arc-trust.org/gallery/Lizards.php, select the first picture in the next to last row. Interestingly the one other native and two alien species in this country that do display bright green colouration do not normally exhibit the "metallic" effect. Chris
	Chris Davis, Site Administrator Co-ordinator, Sand Lizard Captive Breeding Programme (RETIRED)

Steve L Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 23 Jul 2009 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 2	Post Options Post Reply Quote Steve L Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 23 Jul 2009 at 11:13pm
	Hello Chris, many thanks for your quick reply. Unfortunately I didn't get a really close look at it, although my impression was initially was of a more uniform colour, looking at the picture I think it could well be the one. The word 'common' suggests I may not get a DEFRA grant for maintaining the wall it lives in........ (only joking of course). What a great site this is, one to bookmark as the pond we've restored is now teeming with frogs some other newty looking critters and we've seen some sort of grass snake sunbathing on the bank a few times now which I'll try to photgraph. Many thanks steve

Iowarth Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Status: Offline Points: 743	Post Options Post Reply Quote Iowarth Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 23 Jul 2009 at 11:34pm
	Hi Steve It's a pleasure. The one in the picture is well marked - it can be lesser and is, of course, very difficult to judge when they are running. It does sound as though you have great site there and we would certainly love to hear and see more of the amphibians and reptiles you get there. All the best Chris
	Chris Davis, Site Administrator Co-ordinator, Sand Lizard Captive Breeding Programme (RETIRED)