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Slow Worm (c) Tracy Farrer


Slow Worm
Anguis fragilis

The Slow Worm is actually a type of legless lizard, often mistaken for a snake.

 

DESCRIPTION

Size: Adults are 40-45cm/15.5-18" long (if tail is intact)

Colour: Varies from brown-copper to grey, pink and gold; belly is grey or black.  Shiny appearance.

Slow Worm (c) Froglife Markings: Females have dark flanks and a dark stripe along the back; older males sometimes have blue flecks.  Juveniles have a golden back with a dark stripe.

Identifying features:

  • Cylindrical body and bullet shaped head

  • Moveable eyelid allowing them to blink (unlike snakes)

  • A notch rather than fork in the tongue

  • Can drop its tail if captured

Diet: Ants, slugs, worms.

Breeding: Mating takes place in April-May but conception is not until June when the female releases eggs into the oviducts.  Females may pair with several males throughout the breeding season.  The young develop inside egg membranes inside the female and are 'born' around September.

Habitat: Found mainly on grassland and heathland but also in a variety of habitats though avoids extremes of dampness and aridity.  Less common in urban areas but sometimes found along embankments.

Dislikes: Birds, being grabbed by the tail!

CURRENT STATUS: Protected by law against killing and injury.

DISTRIBUTION: 
In your garden... Less common in urban areas but could possibly be found in suburban/rural gardens.
UK: Widespread distribution across England , Scotland and Wales though it is particularly common in southern and eastern England. It is not native to Ireland.

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