Snakes, lizards, frogs, toads and newts - not everybody's idea of fun companions, but fascinating creatures nonetheless.
More associated with tropical climes than Scotlands chillier climate, there are still a fair number of these animals to spot.
From common garden visitors to beasties only found on a single Scottish island, these are the 10 breeds of reptile and amphibian you can find in Scotland.
From common garden visitors to beasties only found on a single Scottish island, these are the 10 breeds of reptile and amphibian you can find in Scotland.
5. Palmate Newt
Scotland is the best place in the UK to see the Palmate Newt, which are fairly common across the country. They can be found in shallow ponds in heathland and bogs, and tend to wander further away from their breeding ponds than other newts, who tend to only wander up to 250 metres away. Growing up to 9cm in length, they have smooth skin which can appar brown, green or grey, and lay their eggs on aquatic plants.
The best way to tell the Palmate Newt and the Smooth Newt apart is that former doesn't have spots on its throat, while the latter doesn't. In the breeding season the male develops a wavy crest on its back. It's less widely seen in Scotland than the Palmate due to it needing neutral or alkaline water rather than the acidic water of moors and peat bogs. It means that they are mainly found in lowland areas where they are often found in gardens. Look out for them under logs and leaf debris.
You're unlikely to confuse the adder with any other animal in Scotland. Our only poisonous snake's diamond patternation is an instant giveaway, although baby adders can look similar to a slow worm. While they can deliver a painful bite they rarely do, as they are shy and secretive creatures that will only lash out if trodden on or handled. You're most likely to see one basking on a path or rock on a sunny day in their favourited habitat - at the edge woods, upland areas and dry moorland - across Scotland.
Neither a snake or a worm, the slow worm is a legless lizard which is regularly seen across Scotland, where they can be found under stones, pieces of wood or compost heaps. Look out for them around gardens, churchyards and embankments.