Introduction to reptiles

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Reptiles are cold-blooded creatures relying on external sources of heat to keep them warm, such as by basking in the sun or under sun-warmed objects. Unlike amphibians, reptile skin is dry and scaly. Most reptiles lay eggs but the common lizard is an exception, bearing live young. The young of all reptiles are exact scaled-down versions of their parents, perhaps differing only in colour. The other lizard found in Essex is the slow worm, a legless lizard that frequents damp places including large gardens.

Snakes have a bad reputation, but only the adder among our native snakes is venomous. It is a shy creature and only bites if attacked. The other native snake found in Essex is the grass snake, which frequents wetlands.