(c) Chris Davis - Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (www.arc-trust.org)

<i>Anguis fragilis</i> .Slow-worm. Juvenile - a living jewel
   
Anguis fragilis .Slow-worm. Juvenile - a living jewel
   
This little Slow-worm is only a few days old. Markings are similar to those of adult females at this stage. The colours are however, quite different. With the near jet glossy black of the flanks and a beautiful shiny gold or silver on the back which, unfortunately, this picture cannot truly reflect this is one of nature's living jewels.