Couple of Slow Worm questions

[Yashca]

I have recently discovered a pretty good site for slow worms not too far away from where I live. I have found it interesting to keep records on how many found, time of day, weather conditions etc., so I can work out when is best to look for them. A couple of things surprised me. I have only ever found one slow worm there in the morning, despite numerous visits to check. Most of my best slow worm finds have been late afternoon, especially after grey weather for most of the day, and then sudden sun between 4 - 6 o'clock. What conditions have other people found best for finding slow worms? (I should probably add that I find the slow worms under stones - they may be found elsewhere in other weather conditions)

The slow worms are only ever found at one end of the site, where there are plenty of stones to hide/bask under. The rest of the site gets just as much sun, but there are no stones or anything similar to hide under. I had considered bringing some nice flat stones with me in future and positioning them around the rest of the site, or maybe a few old bits of carpet - but wondered if this was actually a good idea? I suppose it would only be a good idea if the lack of stones elsewhere was some sort of limiting factor on slow worm numbers. I would appreciate any advice though.

[Dorts]

Like most reptiles, Slow-worms like to sunbathe in the mornings, and as soon as it gets too hot they will retreat to a cooler place.
If you want to create a good shelter for them I would recommend old carpet, as you have suggested.
Dorts.

[ellen h]

Originally Posted by Dorts

Like most reptiles, Slow-worms like to sunbathe in the mornings, and as soon as it gets too hot they will retreat to a cooler place.
If you want to create a good shelter for them I would recommend old carpet, as you have suggested.
Dorts.

Or a piece of roofing felt works too.....

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by Yashca

Most of my best slow worm finds have been late afternoon, especially after grey weather for most of the day, and then sudden sun between 4 - 6 o'clock. What conditions have other people found best for finding slow worms? (I should probably add that I find the slow worms under stones - they may be found elsewhere in other weather conditions).

At this time of year on warm days early evenings are best for reptiles. However it is all very subjective depending on microclimates, climate, precipitation, humidity no site is exactly the same. Slow worms dont usually bask in the open but draw heat from objects such a warm vegetation, warm rocks, tin sheets etc. They often bask in dense vegetation such as gorse. The time of day ranges from mid morning in spring to very early mid summer to later in the morning again in the autumn with a small peak later in the afternoon. Sounds like what you are seeing is slow worms making the most of the sudden sunshine after prolonged cool weather to warm up and hunt in the evening before nightfall.

Originally Posted by Yashca

The slow worms are only ever found at one end of the site, where there are plenty of stones to hide/bask under. The rest of the site gets just as much sun, but there are no stones or anything similar to hide under. I had considered bringing some nice flat stones with me in future and positioning them around the rest of the site, or maybe a few old bits of carpet - but wondered if this was actually a good idea? I suppose it would only be a good idea if the lack of stones elsewhere was some sort of limiting factor on slow worm numbers. I would appreciate any advice though.

Slow worms like cover if the rest of the site is open they are at risk from predators. It depends on the site if you would be allowed to put carpet etc down. Is this site Ellerburn bank at Dalby by any chance? I know you were studying at Hull Uni it sounds very familiar to one of the sites which I visit?

[King Edward]

Gravid female Slow-worms can be found basking in the open at this time of year, I think much more so than males.

[GCN lova]

ive heard (and have found) that slow worms come out mostly in the evening because ive found them coming out after 6 oclock on sunny evenings under stones and mats of heat absorbing materials.