COMMON LIZARD 



Slow Worm may often be discovered in a state of repose, 

 and some of its movements are not of a quick nature, it 

 can, if needs be, move along at a rapid rate. When in 

 motion it is most fascinating to watch, and this too often 

 despised reptile should occupy a much worthier place 

 than it does in the fauna of our land. The slough, or 

 body covering, is cast either in pieces or entire, starting 

 at the head and gradually working towards the tail. 

 When the old skin is shed both the colour and activity 

 of the Slow Worm increase, and it then feeds more 

 readily. It hibernates during Winter, but is tempted to 

 emerge from its hiding place on a mild day, the warm 

 sunshine being much to its liking. Its greatest enemy is 

 probably the Adder, but other creatures also prey upon 

 it. Man himself is its relentless foe. 



^♦•t"^. 



^ Comrnon Lizard 



Fiq6 



Common Liza,rd.—Lacerta vivipara (Fig. 6). This is 



the first reptile coming within our survey which occurs 



in Ireland. As a matter of fact, it is the only reptilian 



19 



