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German spring - Reptiles

Writer's picture: Kevin EsserKevin Esser

Spring is also the best time to observe reptiles in Europe. The Slow Worm (Anguis fragilis) is the most common reptile around and it was the first one I found this year. A lot of patience was necessary to get a portrait shot of a quite shy Viviparous Lizard (Zootoca vivipara).


Anguis fragilis - Slow Worm
Anguis fragilis - Slow Worm
Zootoca vivipara - Viviparous Lizard
Zootoca vivipara - Viviparous Lizard

The Aesculapian Snake (Zamenis longissimus) is very rare in Germany. There are only a few isolated and small populations in the country, I am very lucky to live in the center of one of those. This spring I was able to find three juveniles. Young Aesculapian Snakes have a beautiful pattern!


Zamenis longissimus - Aesculapian Snake, juvenile
Zamenis longissimus - Aesculapian Snake, juvenile
Zamenis longissimus - Aesculapian Snake, juvenile
Zamenis longissimus - Aesculapian Snake, juvenile

The sun was already gone, when I saw a pair of Sand Lizards (Lacerta agilis) still hanging around on a tree trunk. Regarding Grass Snakes (Natrix natrix), 2020 has already been a successful year. I observed quite some of these good swimmers around different lakes and ponds.


Lacerta agilis - Sand Lizard, gravid female
Lacerta agilis - Sand Lizard, gravid female
Lacerta agilis - Sand Lizard, male
Lacerta agilis - Sand Lizard, male
Natrix natrix - Grass Snake
Natrix natrix - Grass Snake

Samira found what I consider to be the most secretive reptile of Germany, a very pretty Smooth Snake (Coronella austriaca)... perfect conclusion for this year's spring time.


Coronella austriaca - Smooth Snake
Coronella austriaca - Smooth Snake

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© 2024 by KEVIN ESSER | natura-rica 

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