Foto: Łukasz Siudziński

Slow worm (Anguis fragilis)

Anguis fragilis is a limbless lizard whose defense strategy consists in resembling a snake. The slow worm differs from a snake in that it has a rounded mouth, no narrowing in the neck area and no moving eyelids. When threatened, it rejects its tail, as do other lizards. Its body length does not exceed 50 cm. The surface of the body is covered by small oval scales. The coloration varies from brown to gray to turquoise. It likes moist and shaded areas and leads a secret life. During the day it hides under moss or leaves. At dusk and at night it becomes active and begins to hunt. It is beneficial for us, as it likes parasitic snails on garden vegetables and flowers. Its sharp teeth, bent backwards, are specially adapted to catch this type of prey. It tracks the prey, like snakes, by detecting the scent molecules with its tongue. It does not have any venom, so the prey must be swallowed immediately after capture. Because of the slow and clumsy way of moving it falls prey to birds, foxes, badgers and hedgehogs. In the winter it seeks refuge in burrows, piles of leaves or rotten tree trunks. It is ovoviviparous. Small slow worms are independent and capable of looking for food immediately after leaving the egg shells.