Anguis fragilis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Anguis fragilis |
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| Anguis fragilis Linnaeus, 1758
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The slow-worm (also known as the blindworm) is a type of lizard that doesn't have any legs or arms. It lives in many parts of Europe and Asia. It is one of the few reptiles that naturally lives in Britain.
When a slow-worm feels it is in danger, it can break off its tail to escape. This is called shedding its tail. A new, shorter tail will grow back, but it cannot shed that new tail again.
Female slow-worms often have a stripe down their back. Male slow-worms might have blue spots.
Instead of laying eggs, female slow-worms give birth to live young. This is called viviparous birth. Before giving birth, the female often lies in the sun on a warm road.
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About the Slow-Worm
Slow-worms are often mistaken for snakes, but they are actually lizards. There are a few easy ways to tell them apart.
Lizard or Snake?
Slow-worms can blink their eyes, but snakes cannot. Also, slow-worms shed their skin in small pieces, like other lizards. Most snakes shed their entire skin all at once.
Size and Lifespan
Adult slow-worms usually grow to be about 50 centimetres long. They are known for living a very long time. One slow-worm was even said to have lived for 54 years!
Where Do They Live?
Slow-worms are not as common as they used to be. Many places where they once lived have been built on by people. In gardens, they can sometimes be killed by cats.
Images for kids
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Distribution of species of European slow worms
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Slow worm in Germany
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Juvenile slow worm, paperclip for size comparison
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Slow worm close.
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A slow worm.
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See also
In Spanish: Lución para niños
