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  you are in: ADVICE > FAQs > SLOW-WORMS > DIFFERENCE WITH SNAKES



Advice and Resources

Frequently Asked Questions about...

Slow-worms


How do I tell the difference between snakes and slow-worms?

Slow-worms are shiny and can blink. They like to hide under things rather than bask in the open.

The slow-worm - as a legless lizard - has the following lizard-features which distinguish them from snakes:

O Cylindrical body.
O Bullet-shaped head.
O Moveable eyelid allowing them to blink.
O
Smooth, shiny appearance.
O Tail can detach if attacked.

You may only catch a glimpse of the animal so 'shiny appearance' is the feature to keep in mind. Slow-worms also behave slightly differently to snakes - they prefer to warm themselves by sheltering under objects, like stones, patio slabs or in compost heaps, rather than basking out in the open.
 
More information:
O Which species of snake? >>>
O Native reptiles. >>>
O
FAQs about slow-worms. >>>