Category: Reptiles
Even though they are vertebrates with scales and rudimentary eyes, the limbless, ringed morphology of these primitive, subterranean reptiles is very similar to a worm. Iberian worm lizards are found in Portugal and throughout central and southern Spain. They are opportunistic feeders, able to survive in a wide variety of habitats so long as they are able to move between different soil depths and textures in order to satisfy their thermoregulatory needs.
The not-a-snake
The slow worm has a long body, lacks limbs, and is covered in lustrous scales - so is it a snake? No, it is a lizard! Because unlike snakes, the slow worm has eyelids, visible ears, and like many lizards, its tail can break off in the mouth of a predator, allowing them to escape for another day. The slow worm belongs to the Anguidae family, and similarly (but independently) lost their limbs to better adapt to their environments. These “not-snakes” can be found in gardens throughout Europe and the UK, helping to control the population of slugs and other pests, though you probably won’t see any if you have a cat: a slow worm will likely prove a favorite food of your cat!
Learn more >>
Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
