froglife logo


home I news I about I froglife ltd I contact I search
------------------------------------------
  you are in: ADVICE > FAQs > SNAKES > DIFFERENCES WITH SLOW-WORMS 



Advice and Resources

Frequently Asked Questions about...

Snakes

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

Quick answer
Slow-worms are shiny and can blink; they like to hide under things rather than bask.

Further information
Slow-worms - as legless lizards - 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 on...
O Which species of snake?
O Native reptiles.
O
FAQs about lizards.