Hi everyone, Gareth here from the Surrey Reptile Centre. We know how much our local community loves a bit of a challenge, and we also know how much you guys love showing off your reptile knowledge. So, we decided to put together a little competition that tests your eyes and your expertise. We’re calling it the "Identify the Inhabitants" challenge.
Whether you are a veteran keeper with a room full of vivariums or a newcomer who just got their first bearded dragon, this is for you. Below, we have listed five different inhabitants currently residing here at the centre. To win, you need to be the first person to correctly identify all five species, including their specific morphs where applicable.
The Competition Rules
Before we get into the photos, let’s go over the ground rules. We want to keep this fair and fun for everyone involved.
- Be Specific: You can’t just say "Snake" or "Lizard." You need to give us the full common name of the species and, crucially, the correct morph. For example, if it's a corn snake, don't just stop there—is it an Amel, a Tessera, or a Palmetto?
- The Prize: The first person to submit a 100% correct list will win a £10 in-store credit. You can use this towards anything from live food and decor to your next enclosure kit.
- Validity: This challenge is valid for 30 days starting from today, Tuesday, 10th of March 2026.
- Submission: Please send your answers via our contact page or drop by the shop to tell us in person.
- Tie-Breaker: If two people get it right at the exact same time, the winner is determined by the earliest timestamp.
Why Identification Matters
Knowing exactly what species and variant you are looking at is the foundation of good animal husbandry. Every species has different requirements for UV lighting, heat gradients, and humidity. A morph tells a story about the animal's genetics and history, and it's a great way to learn about the incredible diversity of the reptile world.
The Challenge: Identify These 5 Residents
Here are the five inhabitants currently waiting to be identified. Some are easy, others are a bit more "expert level." If you find yourself scratching your head, don't forget that these animals are all physically here at the Surrey Reptile Centre. If you're stuck, come visit us at Sutton Green Garden Centre to see them in the flesh!
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Resident 1: (Not so small but mighty!)
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Resident 2: (Check this one out slowly)
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Resident 3: (Hint! its not a Zebra)
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Resident 4: (2 of a kind)
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Resident 5: (The final boss! This pattern is extremely specific—good luck!)
Educational Insights: What is a Morph?
In the reptile hobby, a "morph" refers to a genetic mutation that alters the physical appearance of an animal (colour or pattern) compared to the wild "Normal" type. For example, if you see a bearded dragon that is bright red or orange, those are specific morphs of the Pogona vitticeps species.
Understanding terms like Amelanistic (lacks black pigment), Hypomelanistic (reduced black pigment), and Axanthic (lacks yellow pigment) will help you narrow down the five inhabitants in our photos.
Come and See Us
We find that the best way to learn is by doing. If you are stuck on a specific resident, the best thing to do is pop into the shop. We are located at Sutton Green Garden Centre and it’s easy to get to from across Surrey.
Seeing the animals in person allows you to observe their behaviour, their true size, and their actual colours without the filter of a camera lens. Plus, the team and I are always happy to have a chat about the different livestock we have in store. We won't give you the answers, but we might give you a nudge in the right direction!
Submitting Your Entry
Once you think you’ve cracked the code for all five, please list the numbers 1 through 5 with the Common Name and Morph for each, and send it via our contact-us page or bring it into the store.
Good luck to everyone! We can’t wait to see who our top reptile expert is.
Cheers,
Gareth Thomas
Owner Manager, Surrey Reptile Centre
Good luck to everyone! We can’t wait to see who our top reptile expert is.
Cheers,
Gareth Thomas
Owner Manager, Surrey Reptile Centre
