Eastern Garter Snake (Title Photo)

Dear Readers, many creatures make their way in this world without having a leg to stand on, and so I thought this week we’d see how many we can identify.  Reptiles and invertebrates seem to have the monopoly on going legless (although biologists in Victorian times thought that birds of paradise didn’t have legs because that’s how the skins were prepared), so that’s what we’ll concentrate on!

One mark for each correct identification to species level, and I reserve the right to give half a point for a good try. I’ve just selected twelve critters this week as this isn’t a multiple choice, so I think it’s probably a bit harder! One of the snakes is only known from three populations in the UK, two in Wales and one close to London Zoo, so there’s a clue 🙂

As usual, answers in the comments by 5 p.m. UK time on Thursday 6th May, and the results will be posted on Friday 7th May. I will hide the answers in the comments as soon as I see them, but if you are easily influenced you could write your answers on a piece of paper first.

So, let’s see how good your ID skills are, and have fun!  🙂

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