HARMLESS IN ACTUAL FACT !!!!!

[Myra Thomas-Rhodes]

Summer is on our doorstep, and the warmer weather heralds the awakening of the snakes and lizards.

The photos are of a Blue Tongue, or Bobtail Lizard, that the dogs found yesterday. I was alerted by their barking and dancing around it, making out they weren't scared, but jolly glad to come in when I called them! These lizards have no teeth, and their only form of defence is to try to frighten the "enemy" with their open mouth and blue tongue. They move quite slowly, and sadly, with bushfires, many are lost, as they cannot reach safety in time. Many years ago, I remember one latched on to the ear of one of my Irish. The fright Tara got could be heard for miles!!

[Cornelia]

Wow! I've never seen a lizard like that!! Lucky you, it was not a poisonous snake!!

[Myra Thomas-Rhodes]

These lizards help to keep the snakes away,but yes, we are lucky - we have only seen two snakes on our property in 40 years. They were only passing through, and I think all the dogs running free all the time, and pounding the ground, don't make it a suitable spot for the snakes to want to take up residence! They want a quiet life, and that isn't viable at Amhurst!

[Catherine Carter]

It does look frightening with or without teeth, Myra! How big is it?

[Myra Thomas-Rhodes]

They look quite prehistoric, don't they! The size is only about two feet long, so not huge.

[John B. Hughes/Absinthe]

We have our own lizards here in Arizona, and like yours, they are mostly harmless, with one big exception-a gila monster. The smaller ones are cute and entertaining and very colorful during mating season. Yours appear a bit more confrontive!

[Myra Thomas-Rhodes]

Of Course Evav !!!!! There was actually one in the dog room the other evening, under one of the dog beds. Great commotion, until I managed to move it! Wonder how it managed to walk in, past 30 odd dogs, and get to safety!

[Benny and Pia Hansen]

It looks like a fairytale dragon!

[Maggie Smith]

OH MY! He scares me and I am the other side of the world. I think evolution has past him by

[Myra Thomas-Rhodes]

They aren't terribly big, but they actually weigh quite heavy!

[Astrid Landsaat]

Lovely photo of a lovely looking Lizard! I love reptiles and amphibians :-)