Firstly, they will try defecating a rather smelly substance in the hope that the predator will clear off.
It is also called a deaf adder, a slowworm , [2] a blindworm , or regionally, a long-cripple, to distinguish it from the Peloponnese slowworm . They … Slow worms and development The slow-worm (Anguis fragilis) is often mistaken for a snake but is in fact a legless lizard. Slow worms, are protected by law and it is a criminal offence to deliberately kill them. Key information. Discover more about the amphibians and reptiles found in Scotland.
NBN Atlas Scotland. Slow-Worm (Anguis fragilis) Slow-worms are a type of legless lizard and are often mistaken for snakes. Now, here is the clever bit. Anguis fragilis is a reptile native to Eurasia. Although widespread across Britain, the slow worm is most commonly reported in the Southern counties, Wales and South-West Scotland. This self-amputation is known as "autotomy" and allows the slow-worm to escape, while leaving the tail (still wriggling) in the grip of the predator. There is concern that Slow worm numbers may be in decline, due to destruction of their habitat.
Scientific name: Anguis fragilis. Identification: Adults up to 50 cm in length.
“Slow-worms are cold-blooded animals so need to warm up before they can go out hunting or eating. Should you happen upon a slow worm, the best thing to do is to leave it alone or cover it back over carefully. Unlike a snake, the Slow-worm has visible eyelids that blink regularly and smooth, shiny scales that display a metallic appearance. Shiny, smooth skin. They share their hibernation site with other slow-worms and after emerging from this frost free environment loose their old skin which is rubbed off in the plants and grasses and can look like an … Slow-worms are widespread throughout Britain but are absent from Ireland. Slow worms can live 15 years or more in the wild. Unlike snakes they can blink, have a flat forked tongue and can drop their tails if attacked. Offences: great crested newts, natterjack toads and marine turtles When attacked by predators, like lizards, they can shed their tails, in order to escape. Slow-worms have evolved a great trick to avoid being caught and eaten. Gardens can often provide suitable places for slow worms as well; compost heaps along with loose soil, decaying vegetation, logs and large flat stones provide ideal refuges for them. The website for Wild Scotland, Scottish wildlife and adventure tourism association with information on adventure, wildlife and other outdoor holidays and activities in Scotland. Slow-worms are fairly widespread in England, Wales and Scotland but they are shy and not often seen as they rarely bask in the open. The slow worm is quite common across Scotland and it is the only reptile known to occur in the Outer Hebrides. In fact they are legless lizards and are quite harmless. The slow-worm can literally shed part of its tail. datasets have provided data to the NBN Atlas Scotland for this species.. Browse the list of datasets and find organisations you can join if you are interested in participating in a survey for species like Anguis fragilis Linnaeus, 1758 They do not bite people and are completely harmless. Slow worms love compost heaps and are popular with gardeners for their slug-eating habits. The Latin name (fragilis) gives a clue at how this works. slow worm; You can see our summary of offences in relation to these protected species below. If this does not work and the attack continues, the slow-worm will then shed its tail. datasets have provided data to the NBN Atlas Scotland for this species.. Browse the list of datasets and find organisations you can join if you are interested in participating in a survey for species like Anguis fragilis Linnaeus, 1758 With long, smooth, shiny, grey or brown bodies, slow worms look very similar to tiny snakes. The Slow Worm has a somewhat deceptive name, as these animals are neither slow nor are they worms. The slow-worm is neither a worm nor a snake, but is, in fact, a legless lizard - its identity is given away by its abilities to shed its tail and blink with its eyelids. Slow worms are found using places made by humans such as embankments, churchyards and gardens. Should you happen upon a slow worm, the best thing to do is to leave it alone or cover it back over carefully. A newborn slow worm is 7-10 cm in length, and growth is relatively slow, with it taking 6-8 years for an individual to reach its full size. The eggs hatch inside the female slow worm’s body, and the young stay there for a while, living off the yolk of the egg.