The Slow Worm (Anguis fragilis)

Female

Copyright: Howard Inns

The Slow-worm is a lizard.  It looks like a snake in some respects but the fact that it has eyelids, a flat forked tongue and can drop its tail to escape from a predator gives its true identity away. The Slow-worm is probably the most commonly encountered British reptile. It is often found in gardens and is widespread throughout the British Isles.  It is naturally absent from Ireland (those found there, in the area of the Burren, are thought to be introduced).  It's appearance is always shiny, the males are a greyish brown, the females brown with dark sides and a thin line down the back.  Slow-worms give birth to live young in September.  The young are very thin, about 4cm long with black bellies and gold or silver backs with a thin black line down the middle.

The Slow-worm can be found in almost any open or semi-open habitat.  It likes warmth but instead of basking in the open sun it prefers to hide under a stone, log or piece of discarded rubbish such as a sheet of corrugated iron or plank of wood exposed to the sun.  Slow Worms are also keen on compost heaps where they find warmth and plenty of food.  They feed on slow moving prey, particularly small slugs.

Slow-worms are protected by law in Great Britain against being killed, injured or sold or traded in any way.

Male

Copyright: Howard Inns