Slow Worm photos.

[JaySteel]

After being surprised to see a Slow Worm out a couple of weeks ago, I was pleased to see that they are now out in abundance yesterday at my local site when I was out recording.

Here are a couple of shots that I took of one male.
I posted the shot of the Slow Worm in my hand so that there isn't the usual debate over whether my subject has been handled or not. So before the usual suspects jump in with their screams and accusations about the morality issues surrounding the handling of wild animals: Yes! I did handle this Slow Worm. The tin that the Slow Worm was under was heavy so before I put the tin back down I lifted the Slow Worm out and took his photo in my hand then placed him on the ground next to the tin and took his photo again before he disappeared back under the tin. And these images have been uploaded to the WildAboutBritain image library.
Larger photos can be seen on my photography site:

http://www.jasonsteelwildlifephotogr...m/reptiles.php

Best regards,
Jason

[vole-woman]

Beautiful! Do they not mind being picked up?

[JaySteel]

Thanks for your comments. You have to be extremely careful if you need to handle Slow Worms. I wouldn't recommend it though if it isn't necessary as they often shed their tale in an attempt to evade capture. Hence the 'fragillis' part of their Latin name 'Anguis fragilis'. Although the Slow Worm can re-grow its tail the new tale will never be as substantial as the original and is normally a much shorter stumpier replacement. The tail is an essential area for storing body fat which Slow Worms need during hibernation.

If you need to pick them up then do so with a fairly open hand and never grab hold of them. Sometimes they will wriggle quite energetically when first picked up so you need to hold them close to the ground in case they wriggle out of your hand. Once they realise that you're not a predator they calm down very quickly and will sit quite happily in a warm hand.

Best regards,
Jason

[JaySteel]

I've had people ask me recently why they never see Slow Worms.
You don't generally see Slow Worms unless you're turning things over and looking for them. It's only usually the gravid females that bask openly. Usually Slow Worms are found beneath damp vegetation like compost heaps of beneath logs and rocks. They often get their heat from laying beneath items that are exposed to the sun.
Here's a shot I took on Sunday at my local site. This piece of old HGV tyre is in direct sunlight and attracts and retains the sun's heat. Once turned over it reveals a fairly large male Slow Worm.

Best regards,
Jason

[nightshade]

Nice to see you back Jay, nice photos, I see lots of these when I holiday here Slapton Ley - Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust

[JaySteel]

Thanks Nightshade. I appreciate your comments. That looks like a lovely part of Devon to holiday in. My parents go down that way to holiday most years. I'd love to take a break down there one day.

Best regards,
Jason