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Slow-worms are a type of legless lizard and are often mistaken
for snakes. Unlike snakes they can blink, have a flat forked
tongue and can drop their tails if attacked. Slow-worms are
widespread throughout Britain but are absent from Ireland.
4 - 45cm
males are grey-brown, females are golden brown on top and darker
underneath and on the sides; they have a shiny appearance.
females and juveniles usually have a dark stripe down the back;
males sometimes have blue flecks.
widespread but thought to be declining; protected against
killing, injury and trade/sale.
Female slow-worms incubate their eggs internally and ‘give
birth’ to live young in late summer. The gold or silver
juveniles are very thin and only around 4cm long.
Slow-worms usually hibernate between November and March.
Adults emerge from their hibernation sites in spring; breeding
takes place during April and May. Slow-worms do not tend to bask
out in the open like other reptiles, instead preferring to hide
under objects that will be warmed by the sun or will create
their own warmth such as compost heaps or dead wood. They feed
on slow moving prey like slugs.
Degradation and loss of habitats.
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