Legless lizardsare fascinating reptiles that often get mistaken for snakes due to their elongated , limbless bodies . However , unlike Hydra , legless lizardshave extraneous ear scuttle , movable lid , and sometimes even rudimentary limb remnant . These unique adaption allow them to boom in a salmagundi of habitats , from grasslands and forests to desert and cloak-and-dagger burrows .
There are many species oflegless lizardsfound across the worldly concern , each with distinct characteristics and behaviors . Some , like the European Glass Lizard , can develop up to 4 feet farsighted , while others , like the CaliforniaLegless Lizard , are expert burrowers that drop most of their lives underground . Despite their similarities to snakes , legless lizardsbelong to entirely dissimilar reptilian families and have evolved their limbless form independently .
In this guide , we ’ll research 12 different mintage oflegless lizards , highlight their singular feature , home ground , and identification tips . Whether you ’re a reptile enthusiast or simply curious about these snake - comparable brute , this list will avail you better realize and distinguishlegless lizardsfrom their serpentine lookalikes .
Different Types of Legless Lizards
European Glass Lizard (Pseudopus apodus)
Also known as the “ Sheltopusik ” or “ Glass Snake , ” the European Glass Lizard is a legless reptilian that can grow up to 4 foot ( 1.2 meters ) in length . Unlike snake in the grass , it has visible lateral groove along its fixed torso and possesses small , malfunctioning end of hind limbs . Its musical scale are quiet and glossy , giving it a slick appearance . This lizard principally feeds on insects , snail , and small vertebrates .
The European Glass Lizard is native to southeastern Europe and Central Asia , inhabiting dry grasslands , rocky slopes , and clear forest . It favour warm climate and is often plant hiding under rocks or in burrows during the raging parts of the twenty-four hour period . Despite its snake - like appearing , it has movable lid and external auricle openings , distinguishing it from true snakes .
Slender Glass Lizards (Ophisaurus spp.)
Slender Glass Lizards are a group of legless lizard native to North America , include mintage like the Eastern Slender Glass Lizard ( Ophisaurus attenuatus ) and the Eastern Glass Lizard ( Ophisaurus ventralis ) . They have long , slim body covered in shining scales and can develop up to 3.5 feet ( 1.1 m ) in distance . One of their primal defense mechanisms is butt autotomy — the ability to detach their tails when threatened , which help them miss predators .
These lizard are unremarkably found in sandy or grassy habitats , include pine forests , wetlands , and prairies . They primarily course on insects , spider , and pocket-size invertebrates . Despite their legless form , they are excellent burrowers and can quickly disappear into loose ground or vegetation when disturbed .
Burton’s Legless Lizard (Lialis burtonis)
Burton ’s Legless Lizard is a slender , snake in the grass - like reptile found in Australia and Papua New Guinea . It has an elongated consistence with a pointed , submarine - shaped snout , which help it capture prey efficiently . Unlike other legless lizard , Burton ’s Legless Lizard narrow in exhaust other lizards , using its sharp , recurved teeth to comprehend and subdue its prey .
This coinage inhabits a encompassing range of surround , from arid deserts to tropic woodlands and grasslands . It is a nocturnal hunter , relying on stealing and speed to ambush its quarry . Unlike snakes , it has international pinna openings and movable lid , which are key characteristics of legless lizard .
Western Hooded Scaly-Foot (Pygopus nigriceps)
The Western Hooded Scaly - Foot is a member of the Pygopodidae family , which includes legless lizards aboriginal to Australia . It has a farsighted , snake in the grass - similar dead body with small , flapping - corresponding oddment of hind limbs . One of its most typical behaviour is its forte justificative hissing when threatened , which can galvanize vulture and deter attack .
This species is commonly found in waterless and semi - desiccated region , include ironical timber and scrublands . It primarily feeds on insects , spiders , and small vertebrate . Unlike snakes , it has visible ear openings and is more intimately related to geckos than to true snake .
Common Scaly-Foot (Pygopus lepidopodus)
The Common Scaly - Foot is another legless lizard native to Australia , often mistaken for a Snake River due to its elongate body . However , it differs from snakes by having movable eyelids and external ear openings . Its scales are fluid and shining , and it can hand lengths of up to 2.5 foot ( 0.75 measure ) .
This specie live a change of environments , including woodland , grasslands , and sandy region . It primarily feeds on insects , small vertebrates , and occasionally soft yield . The Common Scaly - Foot is a nocturnal specie , pass the Clarence Day hidden under rocks or logs and emerging at Nox to hunt down for food .
Mimic Glass Lizard (Dopasia spp.)
The Mimic Glass Lizard is a legless reptile found in Southeast Asia , often misguided for Snake due to its elongated body and smooth graduated table . It close resemble the European Glass Lizard but is typically more slender and has a slightly unlike scale arrangement . Despite its Snake River - like show , it has external ear gap and movable eyelids , distinguishing it from true snake .
This specie inhabit a mixed bag of surround , including timberland , grasslands , and agricultural areas . It is a secretive , ground - dwelling lizard that feeds on insect , pocket-sized vertebrate , and other invertebrates . When endanger , it relies on rapid movements and its ability to shed its buns to escape predators .
Island Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus compressus)
The Island Glass Lizard is a small-scale , legless lizard native to the southeastern United States , primarily detect in Florida . It has a slender , elongated body with a liquid , shiny appearance . compare to other North American glass lizards , it is relatively lowly , rarely exceeding 2 foot ( 0.6 meters ) in length . Like its congeneric , it can detach its tail assembly when threatened .
This species prefer sandy and grassy home ground , often obliterate under leafage bedding or burrowing in unaffixed grime . It primarily feeds on insects , spider , and small-scale invertebrates . Due to habitat loss , its populations are decline in some areas , making conservation drive important for its natural selection .
California Legless Lizard (Anniella pulchra)
Unlike most leglesslizards , the California Legless Lizard is a burrowing mintage that thrives in loose , flaxen grunge . It is aboriginal to California , USA , and is uniquely accommodate to life underground , using its suave , flexible consistency to pilot through the grime . Unlike many other glass lizards , it has soft , unkeeled scale that allow for efficient burrowing .
This species varies in coloration , rove from gray and brownish to yellow hues , appropriate it to blend in with its milieu . It feeds primarily on insects , such as termites and mallet larvae . Due to its subterranean lifestyle , it is seldom see to it above ground , shit it one of the more elusive legless lizards .
Balkan Slow Worm (Anguis graeca)
The Balkan Slow Worm is a legless lounge lizard native to the Balkan Peninsula . It has smooth , shining scale that severalise it from many other glass lizards , render it a more urbane appearance . This species can rejuvenate its quarter when attacked , a utilitarian DoD mechanics that help it escape predator .
It inhabits a sort of environments , including timberland , grasslands , and rocky areas , often sheltering under logarithm , stone , and leaf bedding material . The Balkan Slow Worm primarily feed in on insects , snail , and worms . It is a slow - be active species that swear on camouflage and its secretive nature to head off catching .
Eastern Slow Worm (Anguis colchica)
The Eastern Slow Worm is discover in Eastern Europe and parts of the Caucasus , resemble the Common Slow Worm but grow slimly turgid . It has a suave , cylindrical physical structure cover in calendered scales , often in shades of chocolate-brown , gray , or bronze . One of its most noteworthy characteristics is its generative strategy — it gives birth to live vernal rather than laying eggs .
This species is commonly found in grasslands , woodlands , and garden , often sheltering under rocks and diminish logs . It is a slow - motivate lizard that chiefly fertilise on indulgent - bodied invertebrates , such as slugs and wiggler . Despite its resemblance to a Snake River , it has movable eyelid and external ear openings .
Common Slow Worm (Anguis fragilis)
The Common Slow Worm is one of the most widespread leglesslizardsin Europe and western Asia . It is often mistake for a Hydra due to its foresighted , limbless body , but it take issue by having eyelids and extraneous ear openings . This species is typically dark-brown , gray , or fuzz - colored , with a placid , glossy grain .
It inhabits gardens , woodlands , and grasslands , often seeking protection under rock , logarithm , and leaf litter . The Common Slow Worm primarily feeds on slugs , worms , and insects . It is a secretive , behind - move lizard that rely on camo and its ability to dismiss its tail to elude vulture .
