Japanese Giant Gecko (Gekko japonicus, 多疣壁虎).
Although they are rare to see during the day on Yuelu Mountain, they are very active at night. In any of the open buildings scattered around the mountain, they can reliably be found after sunset, lying in wait for insects on the roofs and walls.
Pond Slider (Trachemys scripta ssp. elegans, 彩龟).
On the cusp of astronomical spring, this turtle was enjoying the sun at Taozi Lake long enough to collect leaves on its shell.
Chinese Blue-tailed Skink (Plestiodon chinensis, 中国石龙子).
Warm weather brings out reptiles, though so far this season I have only caught furtive glances of local snakes: movement and scales deep in the tall grasses and mulch. But during these vacillating days of wet grey and warm sun, I sometimes see these lizards enjoying the sun.
Chinese Softshell Turtle (Chinese Softshell Turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis).
I know these turtles are around, though perhaps in small numbers: both in the brackish waters of the nearby lakes and in the Xiang (湘江), as I spotted some remains washed up on the riverside when the water was low last winter. But they come out into the open, and this is the first time I have ever seen one basking in the sun! It was near the lily pond at Xianjia Lake (咸嘉湖) where it seemed very happy and did not seem to mind my approach.
