VIPER — COMMON LIZARD — SAND-LIZARD. 
175 
Section VIPEKIFORMES. 
Family VIPERID^. 
VIPEE. Vipera berus, Linnseus. 
“ Adder,” “ Hether ” (‘ Leicestershire Proverbs ’), probably a corruption from 
Adder. 
Kesident and generally distributed, especially about Charnwood Forest, but 
not so common, fortunately, as its harmless relative. — Harley remarked, under 
date 1846 : — “ PeZias berus and Coluber natrix came forth abroad very early this 
season,” viz., during the first and second week of March. On the 13tb and 14tb of 
that month be noted both reptiles in Bradgate Park. There are specimens in the 
Museum from many localities in the county, but chiefly from the “ Forest,” all of 
the dark variety. 
Sub-order CERT ILIA . . 
Family LACERTID^. 
COMMON LIZARD. Zootoca vivipara (Jacquin). 
“ Scaly Lizard,” “ Viviparous Lizard.” 
Harley considered this species almost confined to the district known as 
Charnwood Forest, and wrote, under date 1845 : — “ December lOtb. ‘ Para ’ Bates 
informs me that he has occasionally seen, in his entomological rambles in Charn- 
wood Forest and the neighbourhood around it, a species of Lizard which appears 
to affect the leaves of brambles and other plants. He describes the creature’s habits 
very vividly as being like unto those of a Chameleon, especially so when observed 
basking in the beams of the sun, and intent on feeding.” It is well known, how- 
ever, that this is a common habit with Zootoca vivipara, and probably with most 
Lizards. 
SAND-LIZARD. Lacerta agilis, Linnseus. 
Rare, and I have no record of it save that furnished by Harley, who, describing 
it under Daudin’s specific name of “ Stirpium,” appears to have met with it, for 
he wrote “ If the vernal months be open and warm, accompanied with soft, 
breezy skies, the species comes abroad towards the latter end of March, and 
beginning of the month following. During the spring of the year 1842, the author 
in his walks met with it, April 22nd. In the following year it was recognised by 
us on April 19th, two days earlier.” He further remarked that it is liable to much 
variation in colour, he having met with it of a pale greenish-yellow, with the back 
of an umber-brown colour ; others of a darker hue, and others again variegated 
with black spots down the centre of the back. 
