Ophisaurus apodus
The sheltopusik (Pseudopus apodus) is a large, legless lizard native to Southern Europe and Central Asia. It is characterized by its tan coloration, segmented appearance, and a distinctive lateral groove. While it possesses tiny, vestigial hind legs, it can be identified by its visible ears and eyelids, differentiating it from snakes.
Key Facts
- ›Reaches lengths of up to 135 cm (4.43 ft).
- ›Possesses a segmented appearance and a lateral groove along its body.
- ›Differentiated from snakes by the presence of ears and eyelids.
- ›Primarily feeds on arthropods, small mammals, snails, and slugs.
- ›Can exhibit caudal autotomy, shedding its tail when threatened.
- ›Known to live up to 50 years in captivity.
Scheltopusik, Sheltopusick, Scheltopusick, Sheltopusic, Scheltopusic, Pallas's Glass Lizard, European Legless Lizard, European Glass Lizard
Southern Europe, Central Asia, Crimea, Transcaucasia, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Levant, Israel, Palestine, Croatia, Greece
- Large, Legless Lizard Reaching Up To 135 cm In Length.
- Tan Coloration, Paler On the Ventral Surface and Head.
- Distinctive Ring-Like/Segmented Appearance, Resembling A Large Earthworm.
- Features A Fold of Skin Down Each Side Called A Lateral Groove.
- Possesses Small Rear Legs Near the Cloaca, Though Barely Discernible.
- Distinguished From Snakes By Visible Ears and Eyelids.
- Exhibits Sexual Dimorphism, With Males Being Larger On Average Than Females.
- Skull Is Elongated, Twice As Long As It Is Wide, and Widest At the Posteroventral Portions of the Jugals.
Arthropods, Small Mammals, Snails, Slugs, Crickets, Mealworms, Small Mice, Eggs, Pieces of Meat
- Responds To Harassment By Hissing, Biting, and Musking.
- Less Likely To Drop Its Tail Than Some Other Species, But Can Perform Caudal Autotomy.
- Tail Regeneration Occurs, Resulting In A Shorter, Darker Replacement Tail That May Grow Back To Full Length Over Time.
- Prefers Microhabitats With Areas of Sunlight and Shade Close Together.
- Particularly Active In Wet Weather, Despite Preferring A Dry Habitat.
- Can Adapt To Captivity and May Accept Food From Keepers' Hands Or Tweezers.
- Can Become Excited Around Food and Possess Surprisingly Powerful Jaws.
About Ophisaurus apodus
The Sheltopusik (Pseudopus apodus)
The sheltopusik, scientifically known as Pseudopus apodus, is a notable species of large, legless lizard found across Southern Europe and Central Asia. Historically classified under the genus Ophisaurus, it now resides in its own genus, Pseudopus, a name derived from Greek, meaning "fake-legged" or "without legs." Its common name, "sheltopusik," originates from the Russian "zheltopuzik," translating to "yellow-bellied," referencing its ventral coloration.
Physical Characteristics and Habitat
This imposing reptile can reach lengths of up to 135 cm (4.43 ft). Its appearance is striking, characterized by a tan coloration that is paler on its underside and head. The body has a segmented, ring-like quality that gives it the appearance of a large earthworm, further enhanced by a distinctive fold of skin running down each side, known as a lateral groove. Although it is legless, tiny, vestigial rear legs, about 2 mm in size, are sometimes visible near the cloaca. Unlike snakes, the sheltopusik can be identified by the presence of visible ears and eyelids.
The sheltopusik prefers open country habitats, such as short grasslands and sparsely wooded hills. It shows a specific preference for microhabitats that offer a close proximity of both sunny and shaded areas, allowing it to regulate its body temperature effectively. While it favors drier environments, it becomes particularly active during wet weather, especially when hunting its preferred prey.
Diet and Behavior
The diet of Pseudopus apodus primarily consists of arthropods and small mammals. Snails and slugs are a favorite food source, and the lizard's specialized teeth and jaw structure are well-adapted for cracking open their shells. In captivity, their diet is expanded to include crickets, mealworms, small mice, eggs, and pieces of meat.
When faced with threats or harassment, the sheltopusik exhibits defensive behaviors such as hissing, biting, and releasing a musk. A well-known defense mechanism is caudal autotomy, where the lizard can shed its tail. This ability has led to the common name "glass lizard" or "glass snake," as the detached tail may break into pieces. The lost tail regenerates over time, though the new tail is typically shorter and darker than the original.
Reproduction and Longevity
The reproductive cycle of the sheltopusik involves the female laying approximately eight eggs about 10 weeks after mating. These eggs are carefully hidden under bark or stones, and the mother often provides parental care by guarding them. The young hatch after 45 to 55 days and typically begin feeding within four days of emerging. In captivity, sheltopusiks are known for their hardiness and can live for up to 50 years. While they adapt well to captivity, they do not generally tolerate extensive handling.
Subspecies and Distribution
There are three recognized subspecies of Pseudopus apodus: P. a. apodus, the type subspecies, which ranges from Crimea eastward through Central Asia; P. a. levantinus, found in the Levant region of southern Turkey down to Israel and Palestine; and P. a. thracicus, the westernmost subspecies, extending from Croatia to Greece and western Turkey. The P. a. levantinus subspecies has been found in archaeological sites in Israel, suggesting it was a food source for ancient human populations.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name for the sheltopusik?
The scientific name for the sheltopusik is Pseudopus apodus. It was historically placed in the genus Ophisaurus but has since been moved to its own genus, Pseudopus. The species was first described by Peter Simon Pallas in 1775 as Lacerta apoda.
What does the name 'sheltopusik' mean?
The common name 'sheltopusik' originates from the Russian word 'zheltopuzik,' which translates most directly to 'yellow-bellied.' The scientific genus name, Pseudopus apodus, is derived from Greek and means 'fake-legged' or 'without legs.'
How large can a sheltopusik get?
The sheltopusik is a large lizard and can reach a total length of up to 135 cm (4.43 ft). Males tend to be larger on average than females, exhibiting sexual dimorphism.
What is the habitat of the sheltopusik?
Pseudopus apodus inhabits open country, including short grasslands and sparsely wooded hills. They show a preference for microhabitats that offer a mix of sunlight and shade in close proximity.
What does the sheltopusik eat?
The diet of the sheltopusik consists of arthropods and small mammals. Snails and slugs are a particular favorite, and their teeth and jaw structure are well-suited for breaking through snail shells.
Does the sheltopusik have legs?
The sheltopusik is a legless lizard, though it does possess small, vestigial rear legs that are sometimes visible near the cloaca. These legs are not functional for locomotion. The species is distinguished from snakes by its visible ears and eyelids.
What are the defensive behaviors of the sheltopusik?
When threatened, the sheltopusik may hiss, bite, and release musk. They are also known to drop their tails, a defensive mechanism called caudal autotomy, which is the origin of the 'glass lizard' common name. The shed tail may break into pieces and will regenerate, though it will be shorter and darker initially.
How does the sheltopusik reproduce?
Female sheltopusiks lay approximately eight eggs about 10 weeks after mating. These eggs are typically hidden under bark or stones, and the mother often guards them. The young hatch after 45 to 55 days and usually begin feeding within four days.
Are sheltopusiks kept as pets?
Sheltopusiks are often available in the exotic pet trade, though captive-bred individuals are rare. They adapt well to captivity and can live for up to 50 years, feeding on a variety of insects, small mammals, eggs, and meat. They do not typically tolerate extensive handling.
Related Lizards
European glass lizard
The European glass lizard, also known as the sheltopusik, is a large, legless lizard found across Southern Europe and Central Asia. It is characterized by its tan coloration, segmented appearance, and a distinctive lateral groove. Primarily an insectivore that also consumes small mammals and snails, it inhabits open country and is known for its defensive hissing, biting, and musking when threatened.
Sheltopusik
The sheltopusik (Pseudopus apodus) is a large, legless lizard native to Southern Europe and Central Asia. Distinctive features include a tan coloration, a segmented appearance, and a fold of skin down each side, known as a lateral groove. While it possesses tiny, vestigial hind legs, its presence of ears and eyelids clearly distinguishes it from snakes. It prefers open country habitats and has a diet consisting of arthropods, small mammals, snails, and slugs.
Pseudopus apodus
The sheltopusik (Pseudopus apodus) is a large, legless lizard found from Southern Europe to Central Asia. It is characterized by its tan coloration, segmented appearance, and a distinctive lateral groove. While it possesses tiny, vestigial hind legs, it can be distinguished from snakes by its visible ears and eyelids. This species inhabits open country and is known for its unique defensive behaviors, including hissing, biting, and tail autotomy.