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Slow worm
Anguis fragilis
58.1691, 13.1731
Field Notes
Description:
he Slow worm reaches a length about 45cm (18 inches) from nose to tail, with a slim build. Although they are normally sluggish creatures, they can be fast moving when startled. The obvious feature is the very smooth, glass-like coat, which usually has a glossy, metallic finish.
Unlike snakes, the Slow worm has both eyelids and visible ears. The Slow worm has a rounded, notched tongue, unlike the forked tongue of a snake.
When Slow worms shed their skin, the sloughs fall away from the body in sections, as with other lizards, rather than shedding one complete slough, as is usual for snakes
Habitat:
Native to Euroasia, Slow worms spend the majority of time in deep vegetation or underground in humid, overgrown areas of rough grassland, woodland edges, heathland, scrub, and urban areas such as gardens & allotments. There is concern that Slow worm numbers may be in decline, due to the destruction of their habitat
Notes:
In most of the countries this species are under protected status.
They have been recorded to live for up to 30 years in wild, and the record age for a Slow worm in captivity is 54 years! (Copenhagen Zoo).
The part of their scientific name 'fragilis' (fragile) comes from the tendency of this species to shed its own tail, when threatened by predators, or if handled too roughly (caudal autotomy).
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