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species spotlight on Anguis fragilis
A.K.A. Slowworm.
DESCRIPTION / COLORATION Legless, small head and eyes; Young are yellow with a dark stripe on top and black on bottom. Adults are brown to gray. Males may have blue spots.
SIZE Normal range is 11-12 inches in length, but some individuals may grow larger. 20 inches is the maximum size. Females are usually larger than males.
HOME Mainland Europe, southern Scandinavia, Great Britain, and southwest Asia.
HABITAT Slowworms prefer areas that are moist with plenty of cover. They may be found in hedges, railway embankments, gardens, woodland edges, meadows, and garbage dumps.
LIFESTYLE This animal is most active at twilight and after rainfall. It is a solitary animal during the summer; but in the winter, it hibernates in communities with up to 30 individuals.
PREDATORS Young slowworms are eaten by frogs and toads. Adults may be preyed upon by snakes, hedgehogs, foxes, and birds.
DEFENSES The slowworm has the ability to shed its tail, allowing it to escape the predator.
FOOD Snails, slugs, earthworms, insects, and spiders.
BREEDING Slowworms mate in April or May shortly after hibernation. These animals are ovoviviparous. Most young will be born in August, but cooler temperatures can cause prolonged incubations. The females have the ability to incubate their young for up to a year. 3 - 26 young make up a clutch.
LIFE SPAN Up to 54 years in captivity.
IN CAPTIVITY These animals require a vivarium with a lot of places to hide and burrow. Temperature should be kept at 60 - 70 degrees with a basking area of increased heat. Breeding is possible in captivity.
SPECIAL CONCERNS Slowworms are helpful to gardeners because they eat the white slugs that cause damage to vegetables.
