Following a recent Facebook post by Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve [NNR] featuring a common lizard spotted on the boardwalk at Castle Corner, Brian Taylor shared his own fantastic photo of a common lizard with us [above]. Thank you Brian!
He explained that it was basking in the sun on a moss-covered tree trunk last Saturday. The dedicated Scottish Natural Heritage [SNH] lizard page explain that lizards ‘like to bask in open spaces’. As they are cold blooded creatures, they rely on the heat of the sun to warm them up and get them going!
They also have a surprising means of escape… if trapped or afraid, they can shed part of their tail, leaving it wiggling in the path of a predator, allowing it to escape! Don’t worry though, they can regrow the tail and use the ‘trick’ again if needed.
Brian’s lizard is certainly a fine looking specimen, with its tail intact!
Brian was also happy for us to share his photo of this wonderful elephant hawk-moth caterpillar! Uncanny camouflage…
Brian told us that this one was taken on the same day, walking along the footpath near Castle Corner. That sounds like a really good day at Castle Corner!
We have previously shared our photos from the NNR Moth Nights, featuring the elephant hawk-moth [below]. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if this caterpillar, once ‘grown up’ made an appearance at one of the Moth nights!
Look out and all about when you’re around and about in Caerlaverock – you never know what you might come across!
Look out for the upcoming Evening Exploration Event starting at Castle Corner (in conjunction with the SNH/ WWT and HES) on Friday 16th August 2019.
And if you have any photos of the fascinating wildlife around Caerlaverock, do share them with everyone!
You can send them to us at caerlaverockcommunity@gmail.com or through our Facebook Page
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