Fmn Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 I only caught a fleeting glimpse of this creature as it shot behind the ivy on the wall, but it was obviously a lizard - perhaps a little larger than normal, but seemed to be black with the most vivid limegreenish tiny spots all over it. I don't have a 'lizard' book, so could anyone tell me what it was for when it next pops it's head out?Thanks.Fran Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris pp Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 Bit of a tricky description, can you give a bit more information, where are you located, type of surrounding geographical habitat, water nearby or not, thick tail or thin tail or anything else you can think of? Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pierre le Derriere Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 Likely to be a Fire Salamandar. Sounds impressive and looks stunning, but its actually quite common in France. We live out in a forest clearing on the Crozon Peninsula, and they regularly get into our cellar. The spots are usually yellow, but different types, sexes or ages can vary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pixietoadstool Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 It sounds like a green lizard - does it look like the one on the following web page:http://www.treknature.com/gallery/Europe/France/photo29106.htmValerie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishermans friend Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 Try looking at these:http://www.livingunderworld.org/gallery/photos/caudata/salamandridae/salamandra/salamandra/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris pp Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 Problem with the Fire Salamander is that in France to the best of my understanding it is always marked with shades of yellow or orange. Lézard ocellé Lacerta lepida is a possibility - but a lot depends on location. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fmn Posted October 11, 2005 Author Share Posted October 11, 2005 Well, it's not a salamander then. Nothing like as striking. Even the green lizard looks too spectacular for what I saw. This seemed like every other lizard you see on the walls except for the vivid green but very small dots on it. And just a little bigger. Just looked a bit more special if you know what I mean. Anyway Chris, we're in the Gers and the thingy was on the south wall of our stone house. The only water is the water main, sitting in a pool of water beneath the ivy it was hiding behind. I only saw it's back half, but it was sufficiently unlike the colouring of the thousands of other lizards on our walls to merit a closer look. Sorry I can't be more precise and will keep an eye in case the little chap reappears. Thanks so much for all your replies - the wildlife in France really is pretty stunning isn't it?Fran Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris pp Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 Anything like this:http://www.planetepassion.com/lacerta_monticola.jpg Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pixietoadstool Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 Of course it could have been a sand lizard - the males are green and they even live in the UK but are rare. If you have broadband and are interested enough Chris Packham has done a lovely video of a male sand lizard on an English heath - please see the following website (there is also a still picture of a sand lizard too):http://www.arkive.org/species/ARK/reptiles/Lacerta_agilis/Lacerta_agilis_00.html?movietype=qtMedValerie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fmn Posted October 12, 2005 Author Share Posted October 12, 2005 weeeell.. the vivid green of the picture by Chris Packham was certainly closest although too much green. But as I only saw his tail part it's hard to say. I shall continue to watch out for him and get back if I get a better view. With such a wealth of knowledge on this site it really is a great asset.Thanks so muchFran Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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