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Sheltopusik
(Legless Lizard)
by TEAMS Intern
K.D. |
If you've never seen a legless lizard you
might want to compare it to a snake. The difference between snakes and legless lizards
is that legless lizards have external ears, eyelids, and is a lot shorter and smaller.
They are found in Indonesia, Southern Asia, the Near East, Southeastern Europe, North
America, and Africa. They are sometimes called glass lizards or glass snakes.
Sheltopusik adults are plainly colored, mostly brown or green and like all lizards
it can drop its tail (which is 50 inches.)
They live in burrows under leafs, twigs, bushes, and occasionally trash. The optimal
temperature ranges 70 - 85 degrees F or 21 - 29 degrees C which is nice and cool.
They eat insects, snails, mice, nestling birds, eggs, and pieces
of meat. "Mmm,
yummy."
There are more than 4 species of Legless Lizards.
Apodus sheltopusik are found in the Balkans, through Turkey, Syria, and Caucasus
to central Asia and may live up to 20 years and grow to be 1.4 meters or 4.5 feet.
Attenatus (slender grass lizard) are found in Southern and central U.S. and grow
up to be 3.3 feet or 1 meter with a body length of 11 inches.
Koellikeri (Koeliliker's glass lizard) are found in Northwestern Africa and grow
up to be 16 inches and live in swamp-like areas.
"Last but not least."
Ventralis (Eastern grass lizard) are found in Southeastern U.S. and grow up to be
3.3 feet or 1 meter and are found in damp meadows. |
