Regardless of its look, the sluggish worm is not a snake (or a worm) however a legless lizard. This appears by the reality that it has eyelids (unlike snakes that have an unblinking eye) and a flat tongue. The sluggish worm can likewise remove its tail like other lizards to prevent predation.
Their resemblance to snakes has actually resulted in their historical persecution. Frequently called ‘blind worms’ (likely due to the little size of the eyes), they were killed along with adders and yard snakes with little evident discretion in between types. Even Shakespeare represented them as poisonous snakes– the witches in MacBeth producing potions with the ‘blind-worm’ s sting’.
In truth, the sluggish worm is placid in character and mainly tolerant of human behaviour.
In this guide, we take a closer take a look at sluggish worms in the UK, exposing details on how to recognize them, where they live and what they consume.
Intrigued in discovering more about British wildlife? Have a look at our guides to snakes, frogs and toads, and deer.
Reptiles of the British Isles
Discover the remarkable world of snakes, lizards and sluggish worms with BBC Countryfile Publication’s guide to Britain’s 6 native reptiles.
What is a sluggish worm?
Maybe the most exceptional characteristic of a sluggish worm– Anguis fragilis— is its durability. The oldest specimen taped in captivity lived for a minimum of 54 years, so an adult in the wild might be more than 25 years of age. Such a reptile would determine as much as 50cm long, with the grey-brown males relatively consistent in look however with blue areas that increase with age.
The women have dark brown sides and often a thin line along the back. The juveniles, born in late summer season, radiance bronze as if newly minted.
Slow worm behaviour
Unlike other British lizard types, the sluggish worm tends not to indulge in direct sunshine, choosing rather to raise its body temperature level by lying below things or within decaying plant matter such as garden compost.
Slow worm diet plan
Sluggish worms feed upon invertebrates such as slugs, snails, worms and spiders.
Slow worm environment
They might be discovered below pieces of corrugated iron and can be motivated into gardens by supplying refugia for them.
They resemble by garden enthusiasts due to their fondness for slugs, although they are vulnerable to predation from domestic cats.
Just like other lizard types, the sluggish worm is dependent upon camouflage and will tend to stay still if found.
