Is this a slow-worm??

[newponder]

Whilst walking the moorland section of the Cleveland Way last week we came across this 'snake' which unfortunately was dead, possibly run over by a bike?? It was about 20" long and a shiny segmented black - by a process of elimination we have assumed it to be a slow-worm - are we right??

By the way - i would highly recommend this walk which is apparently unfashionable nowadays!!

Andrea

[Dogghound]

DEFINATLY NO, As you can see by its scales it is a species of snake not lizard, so its definatly not a slow worm.

[Dogghound]

As strange as it sounds the nearest thing it resembles to me is a Caecilian which is infact a non native amphibian, possibly a dumped pet?

[demicav]

I agree it's not a slow worm at all. It also looks like a Caecilian to me, normally found in the Tropics. Could be a dumped pet but would these even be for sale in this country ? I wonder .

[Dogghound]

think someone has one in the unusual pets thread, carnt remember who it was

[GuyF]

Was it this colour and pattern all over or was there different patterning on the upperside?
Guy

[demicav]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

think someone has one in the unusual pets thread, carnt remember who it was

Yes you're right, it was Ukwildlifeo.

[Dogghound]

Although its a random creature to be found where it was, im pretty sure thats our answer, its body has very rounded ends for a snake, there is no apparent pointed off tail or flattened head of a snake and the scale pattern is similar to the scaling of a Caecilian, must be a dumped pet or is it a giant worm

[GuyF]

I think that we're looking at the underside of a reptile, which would explain the segment lines. Both Grass Snakes and Slow Worms can have black bellies, I don't know which one this is, you might need to look at the upperside.
I'm probably wrong though
Guy

[Dogghound]

Slow worms have a totally different scale pattern on their belly, due to them being legless lizards so slow worms are Definatly out of the question here.