What is this Lizard?

[NC68]

The other day we came across a small lizard (we think, could be a Gecko) and I would like to know what the name of it is and other information about it.Here is a basic description of what I can remember: It was about 2 1/2 inches long (without the tail), dark with little white spots on. The underneath was spotted yellow. Cheers

[New Forester]

Where did you see it?

[NC68]

In the garden.

[New Forester]

OK, OK, you know what I meant. Where is the garden? A continent would be a start... If it's in the UK, sounds like the terrestrial form of either smooth or palmate newt. Similar shape to a lizard, but actually an amphibian. Much slower movements than a lizard, and has no scales so appears like smooth leather all over.

[Cetti]

Assuming you're in the UK this fits the description of the Common Lizard. it's about 6 inches in length including tail.

[New Forester]

Cetti - The yellow-spotted belly doesn't fit a true lizard, but is spot-on for a newt. NC68 - Thinking about the little white spots, that could indicate a great crested newt -- black, rather warty-looking, and with tiny white flecks, especially in breeding condition (when it also grows a fin along the back). Richard

[Cetti]

You could be right as you are in 'newty' country, but I was just going by a book on British wildlife - and also allowing for an imperfect description ;-)

[New Forester]

Actually, seeing the belly at all suggests it's not a lizard -- legged lizards are extremely quick (the average time I keep them in sight is about 0.4 sec, give or take). I wouldn't get much chance to notice any belly spots even if they had any. On the other hand, newts sit and wait for you to wander over and pick them up. And I'm sure, NC68, that your description was perfect in every way... Have a look at http://www.uksafari.com/wildfiles.htm. Click on Amphibians, then Newt - Smooth, or on Reptiles, Common Lizard. (be careful with newt pictures though, as most photos show them in breeding condition with their fins on -- like the palmate and great crested newts on that page).

[NC68]

Thankyou for all your help. That website was very useful and we managed to identify the newt.