European legless (glass) lizard

Often mistaken for a snake, these legless lizards are actually true lizards. Unlike snakes, they have movable eyelids and several rows of belly scales. They can also break off their tail when in danger. This is why they are sometimes called glass lizards. Once dropped, the tail will usually break in several pieces (like glass) to confuse the predator. Like other lizards, they can regenerate their tail after dropping it. Throughout its range, legless lizards serve an important ecological function by consuming many insects and small mammals that can be pests on farms. In some areas this importance is recognized and local people protect them in the wild. Unfortunately, in most countries they are often mistaken for snakes, resulting in thousands being killed every year.

At Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, we have two legless lizards on exhibit in Professor Beardsley’s Research Station. Come visit us this summer for one of our story hours and have an opportunity to see these fascinating animals.