Snake & Slow-worm Identification

There are only two snake species you are likely to encounter in the Durham area - the Adder in the west of County Durham, and the Grass Snake which prefers to be near water. In addition there is the Slow-worm - not a snake but a legless lizard. Slow-worms might be found throughout the Durham area, but information is currently sparse.

How can I be sure?

The following descriptions and photographs should help you identify your reptile. If you are still not sure, you can say so on the survey form and just answer some questions about the distinguishing features.

Comparisons

GRASS SNAKE

Description :

Dorsal surface and flanks olive green with distinct dark and vertical bars. Ventral surface white/cream with black chequers (some almost entirely black). May appear very dark before skin shedding. Some colour variation occurs. Grass snakes have a crescent shaped black collar and round pupils

Where you might see them:

Rough land and pastures, sometimes allotments and gardens, usually close to standing water. Feeds almost entirely on amphibians and small fish.

ADDER

Description:

Background colour very variable from whitish/grey to brown, with ventral surface (sides) usually black. They have a distinct zigzag on their dorsal surface (back). The often look larger than they are!

Where you might see them:

Almost exclusively in the west of County Durham on heathland.

SLOW-WORM

Description:

Males and females very different in colour when full grown. Females often have a dark vertebral stripe with dark brown stripes or flecks on the flanks.

Males are usually more uniform in colour - sometimes they have distinct blue spots. Upper parts of the body vary from light brown or grey to brick red.

Where you might see them:

Bask in early morning - young produced early September - 4-5 months to develop. The young are pale golden-brown/silver above, side and belly pitch black - dark stripe on back - 7-10 cm long when born.