Introduction.  Assynt has three resident terrestrial reptiles, common lizard, slow-worm and adder, and three very occasional marine visitors, green, loggerhead and leatherback turtles.

Common Lizard by David Haines

The common lizard is the most widespread of our resident reptiles, and may often go unreported.  Adults are most often seen sunning themselves on rocks or in low vegetation, but can disappear in a flash.  To the practised observer, a rapidly-moving wriggle in the right situation, seen out of the corner of the eye, is probably good enough for a record, but a proper view is better.

Adult common lizards are about six inches (15cm) long, and brown above, with longitudinal rows of dark and light markings.  Males and females differ in colour, particularly on the underside; males have bright yellow or orange bellies, usually dark-spotted; females have paler yellow, blue or grey bellies, with few spots.  These characters are easy

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