Topic Index

Slow Worm
 

Female
The Slow Worm has a widespread distribution across Europe but within Britain it is most commonly reported from the southern counties. With no visible legs, this lizard is often mistaken for a snake.

Something being mistaken for a snake, will give a feeling of panic to the person who comes across one. Slow Worms do a tremendous amount of good in controlling garden pests like slugs, so if you spot one, leave it alone.

 

Male
An adult Slow Worm is typically around 30cm in length, with a cylindrical body. Unlike a snake, the Slow Worm has visible eyelids that blink regularly and smooth, shiny scales that display a metallic appearance.

It is the extreme smoothness of the scales that results in the polished appearance. The overall body colour is a shiny grey brown, usually with thin longitudinal stripes of a darker colour. The exact appearance may vary from one individual to another but older males usually have a series of small spots, blue in colour.

Birds Beasts Serpents Pigs Chickens Ducks Cattle Dogs Smooth Snake Adder Grass Snake Sand Lizard Slow Worm Viviparous Lizard Newt Red Squirrel