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| Slow Worm |
Although they look like snakes, they are not, they are legless lizards. They have all the attributes of a lizard and none of the snake. they have eye lids and ear openings, and can shed their tails to escape predators. They grow to about 16-20 inch, the female being slightly bigger than the male. Like lizards they come out of hiding during warm sunny mornings, finding somewhere to bask in the sun to warm up before going on the hunt for food. Slow worms will feed on slugs earth worms, and certain caterpillars, they give birth to live young, usually golden in colour, and about 4 cm in length. In the photo above, there are two possibly three hiding under a tin sheet, they will find somewhere similar in October when they go into hibernation till the weather warms up the following year. (that must be nice) They are completely harmless, and beautifully smooth to the touch.
Linking to Eileen's Saturday's Critters
http://viewingnaturewitheileen.blogspot.co.uk/
It does look like a snake. Thank you for sharing this legless lizard.. It is a new critter to me. Also, thank you for joining in on my Saturday's Critter party. Have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteSlow worms are new critters for me. I didn't know there was such an animal as a legless lizard.
ReplyDeleteDearest Gordon;
ReplyDeleteWow; funny to know thee are legless lizards. Thank you so much for the new knowledge.
Sincerely from Japan, xoxo, Miyako*
Sure "looks" like a snake! I think I've heard of legless lizards before, but don't know that I've even seen one, tip now.
ReplyDeleteso cute!
ReplyDeleteFascinating post for SC and great photo ~ thanks, xxx
ReplyDeleteartmusedog and carol
www.acreativeharbor.com
I've never seen a legless lizard of any kind other than in photos. I'm curious now if we have any in the state.
ReplyDeleteNew to me too! I'd like to see one and, if I knew for sure what it was, to touch it! Happy to know I'm not the only one to post a reptile!
ReplyDeleteHi Gordon Thanks for this interesting post. I have never heard of these nor saw them Great shots of them
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you have all found it interesting, and thank you for looking in.
ReplyDeleteTake care, Gordon.
Lizard or not....I'd run!!! Fast and furious!!! And never look back.
ReplyDeleteVery fascinating to learn about the Slow worm.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating critter Gordon, I never knew of their existence and I thank you so much for educating me. Thanks also for visiting my blog. I have enjoyed popping in here.
ReplyDeleteI would have thought it was a snake. Interesting critter!
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to learn more of these reptiles.
ReplyDeleteFabulous photo! This is a very interesting critter and it's kind of cute too.
ReplyDeleteI knew legless lizards existed, but I've never seen one. Nice shot.
ReplyDeleteWow! I did not know that!
ReplyDeleteAre these in your part of the world Gordon? I saw them on Bardsey where you could almost guarantee one under a particular slab behind the obs building.
ReplyDeleteI think it is way to early for them yet. Probably another month before I see any.
ReplyDeleteHello Gordon! Your blog is very interesting and contains very nice photographs. We put a translator on our blog (search on the right side over the counter of visits). Best regards! Michał and Piotr from Poland
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