Confirm ID of my Lizard

sarahlou42 · #1 (**permalink**) 26-06-2011, 04:00 PM

I'm new to this so here goes. I was out walking at the Bronte Falls in Haworth, West Yorkshire with my husband & daughter when we spotted a small black lizard (about 4-5 inches long) running around. When we got home I tried to id it, but it looks nothing like the species listed as native. Can anyone help please.

Za · #2 (**permalink**) 26-06-2011, 04:18 PM

Hi Sarahlou42, welcome to WAB, common lizards come in all sorts of shades, some almost yellow, and some almost black and anywhere inbetween.
Here are some I found yesterday. Would the darker one be similar?

Za

GCN lova · #3 (**permalink**) 28-06-2011, 04:01 PM

common lizards are sometimes black in colour and it doesnt sound like a newt because they dont run about.

sarahlou42 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-07-2011, 01:26 PM

Thanks very much for the replies. Yes it was like the dark lizard in the photos. So I'm now certain it was a dark common lizard.

Dogghound · #5 (**permalink**) 09-07-2011, 09:47 AM

Additionally hatchlings are black, they slowly mature to a more bronze colour before they go into hibernation. Also melanistic (black) individuals are moderately common in this species.