Green common lizard

Another old photograph found in the back of a cupboard.

Taken about 20 years ago in Hamsterley Forest and showing an unusual emerald green variant of the viviparous lizard. 

I'm not sure whether is was a young one in the process of acquiring more typical colours or whether it was part of a population whose colours were better adapted to a forest habitat. I've never seen another green one.

Those that live on open moorland nearby are usually coloured with shades of brown, grey and buff. Click here for a photo of a more typical local example.