Legless Lizard (Glass Lizard)

scientific name

Ophisaurus apodus

size/weight/height

Length: to 4.5'
Tail: equal to body length

adaptations/coloration

Color: adults dark brown to straw yellow " juveniles light gray with dark bands
Body: elongated & snake-like " large scales & strong osteoderms give rigid appearance
Head: blunt
Hindlimbs: remnant (~2mm)
Teeth: conical
Lateral Fold: well developed
Tail: can be shed as defense mechanism

behavior

crepuscular/nocturnal (mainly)
Home: ground dweller
Burrows: occasionally
Bathing: occasionally

reproduction/lifespan

Lifespan: 20+ years in captivity
Eggs: 6 - 12 " soft-shelled " elongated " development of egg takes ~6 wks

diet

Wild: arthropods (especially snails) " large specimens may take small mammals
Zoo: bird of prey diet & mice

habitat/range

brush steppes to open forest " Balkan Peninsula, Turkey, Syria & the Caucasus to central Asia

status

not listed at this time

oregon zoo exhibit

education programs

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