SLOW WORM
Anguis fragilis
DESCRIPTION
The Slow Worm (Anguis fragilis) is a legless lizard that resembles a snake, with a smooth, shiny body that can vary in color from brown to grey or even metallic. Unlike snakes, Slow Worms have eyelids and can blink, which is a distinctive feature. They are often found in gardens, grasslands, and woodlands, where they prefer to hide under rocks or debris, making them elusive and difficult to spot.
FUN FACTS
- Despite their snake-like appearance, Slow Worms are actually lizards and are more closely related to skinks than to snakes
- They are often mistaken for snakes due to their elongated bodies and lack of limbs, but they possess unique features like eyelids and a forked tongue that distinguish them from true snakes.| Slow Worms are known for their ability to tolerate a range of environmental conditions, which allows them to thrive in both urban and rural settings
- Their secretive nature and preference for hiding make them a fascinating subject for herpetologists and wildlife enthusiasts alike
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-15 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
Average Weight50-100 g
Average Length40-50 cm
Diet TypeInsectivore
Social Structuresolitary
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (April-June)
- Habitat
- Slow Worms thrive in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and gardens. They prefer areas with plenty of cover, such as leaf litter or stones, where they can hide from predators.
- Biomes
- Temperate Forest, Grassland
- Native Range
- Slow Worms are native to Europe and parts of Asia, ranging from the British Isles to the Balkans and as far east as Mongolia.
- Continent
- Europe, Asia
- Countries
- United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Hungary, Russia
- Diet
- Slow Worms primarily feed on small invertebrates, including slugs, snails, and various insects. They play a role in controlling pest populations in their habitats.
- Diet Type
- Insectivore
- Favorite Food
- slugs, snails, insects
- Social Structure
- solitary
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1
- Territorial
- 0
VU
LC
LC
50-100 g
Weight
40-50 cm
Length
- Coloration
- smooth, shiny body that can be brown, grey, or metallic
- Sexual Dimorphism
- females are generally larger than males
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
- Offspring per Birth
- 5-15
- Sexual Maturity
- 2-3 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring (April-June)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The Slow Worm is currently considered to have a stable population across its range.
- Wild Population Estimate
- unknown
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats to Slow Worms include habitat loss due to urbanization and agricultural practices. They are also vulnerable to road mortality and predation by domestic pets.
- Predators
- birds of prey, hedgehogs, domestic cats, snakes
- Defense Mechanisms
- Slow Worms can shed their tails when threatened, allowing them to escape while the predator is distracted.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon