Ophisaurus attenuatus
Least Concern (IUCN); Vulnerable in Iowa; Endangered in Wisconsin·Oviparous (egg-laying)
The slender glass lizard (Ophisaurus attenuatus) is a legless lizard native to the United States, easily identified by its easily breakable tail, which it sheds as a defense mechanism. This diurnal species inhabits prairies, open woodlands, and old fields, where it preys on insects, spiders, and small animals. Despite its common name, it is a lizard, distinguishable from snakes by its movable eyelids and external ear openings.
Key Facts
- ›Legless lizard endemic to the United States.
- ›Tail easily breaks off as a defense mechanism, making intact specimens rare.
- ›Distinguishable from snakes by movable eyelids and external ear openings.
- ›Primarily diurnal, active during cooler parts of the day.
- ›Diet consists of insects, spiders, small rodents, snails, and occasionally smaller lizards and snakes.
- ›Considered least concern by IUCN, but vulnerable in Iowa and endangered in Wisconsin.
Slender Glass Lizard, Eastern Slender Glass Lizard
United States
- Legless Lizard With A Slender, Serpentine Body.
- Yellow To Brown Body With Six Stripes, Including A Middorsal Stripe.
- White Specks On Scales May Form Light Stripes.
- Tail Comprises Two-Thirds of Its Body Length.
- Scales Are Supported By Osteoderms, Making the Body Hard and Stiff.
- Possesses A Pointed Snout and A Non-Distinct Head.
- Males and Females Are of Similar Size, Though Males of Subspecies O. A. Longicaudus Are Larger With Longer Heads and Tails.
- Markings May Fade With Age.
- Has Movable Eyelids and External Ear Openings.
- Average Length For O. A. Attenuatus Is 0.66 m ; Total Length For O. Attenuatus Can Range From 0.56 m To 0.91 m .
Insects, Spiders, Small Rodents, Snails, Smaller Lizards, Small Snakes
- Primarily Diurnal, Active During Cooler Parts of the Day; Active At Dawn and Dusk When Hot.
- Can Move Fast.
- When Captured, Can Thrash Vigorously Causing Tail To Break Off As A Defense Mechanism.
- Western Subspecies Have Been Observed Swimming To Escape Predation.
- Sleeps and Hibernates In Burrows Borrowed From Other Animals.
- Hibernates From October To April Or May.
- Rarely Bites When Threatened.
- May Remain Still and Try To Blend With Vegetation When Approached.
- Forages Underground In Burrows.
Broad-Winged Hawks, Red-Tailed Hawks, Opossums, Coyotes, Bob Cats, Raccoons, Eastern Racer, Ring-Necked Snake, Prairie Kingsnake, Common Kingsnake, Copperhead
Habitat Loss, Habitat Fragmentation, Insecticides
About Ophisaurus attenuatus
The Slender Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus attenuatus)
The slender glass lizard, scientifically known as Ophisaurus attenuatus, is a unique legless lizard native to the United States. It belongs to the glass lizard subfamily and is often mistaken for a snake due to its serpentine form and lack of limbs. However, it possesses distinct reptilian features such as movable eyelids and external ear openings, differentiating it from true snakes.
Key Characteristics and Behavior
One of the most striking characteristics of the slender glass lizard is its tail, which is prone to breaking off easily when the animal is threatened. This defense mechanism, known as autotomy, allows the lizard to escape predators while the detached tail continues to wiggle, diverting attention. It is rare to find a specimen with an intact tail, as it does not fully regenerate. These lizards are primarily diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, especially when temperatures are moderate. They seek shelter in burrows, often those dug by other animals, and hibernate from October to April or May.
Habitat and Diet
Ophisaurus attenuatus inhabits diverse environments across the midwestern and southeastern United States. They are commonly found in prairies, old fields, and open woodlands, often in proximity to water sources. Their diet is varied, consisting of insects like grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles, as well as spiders, small rodents, snails, and occasionally smaller reptiles and snakes. Their jaw structure limits the size of prey they can consume to items no larger than the width of their head.
Subspecies and Reproduction
Two subspecies are recognized: the western slender glass lizard (O. a. attenuatus) and the eastern slender glass lizard (O. a. longicaudus). Males of the eastern subspecies tend to be larger than females and may exhibit distinctive white crossbars on their backs. Mating typically occurs twice a year, in May, with egg-laying in late June or July. Females lay clutches of 5 to 15 oval eggs, which they guard throughout the incubation period of approximately 50-60 days. Hatchlings emerge between August and October, measuring about 10-13 cm in length.
Conservation Status
Globally, the slender glass lizard is listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN. However, its status varies regionally; it is considered vulnerable in Iowa and was listed as endangered in Wisconsin in 1979. The primary threats to its populations are habitat loss and fragmentation resulting from human development, as well as the detrimental effects of insecticides, which reduce its food supply and can introduce toxins into its system. Conservation efforts often involve habitat management, the preservation of grassy areas, and the careful control of pesticide use.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the slender glass lizard different from a snake?
Slender glass lizards can be distinguished from snakes by the presence of movable eyelids and external ear openings, which snakes lack. Additionally, glass lizards do not possess the large belly plates and associated muscles that allow snakes to move across smooth surfaces with ease.
Why is it called a 'glass lizard' and what happens to its tail?
The common name 'glass lizard' comes from its tail, which breaks off very easily when the lizard is threatened, much like glass shattering. This tail autotomy is a defense mechanism allowing the lizard to escape predators while the tail wriggles to distract them. However, the tail does not fully regenerate, becoming shorter with each break.
What do slender glass lizards eat?
Their diet includes a variety of insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles, as well as spiders, small rodents, and snails. They have also been observed eating smaller lizards and snakes. Their jaw structure limits the size of prey they can consume to items no larger than their head.
Where do slender glass lizards live?
Ophisaurus attenuatus is found in the midwestern and southeastern United States. Their preferred habitats include prairies, old fields, open woodlands, and sometimes longleaf pine forests, often located near water. They can also be found in human-made debris.
What are the main threats to slender glass lizards?
The primary threats to slender glass lizards are habitat loss and fragmentation due to human development. The use of insecticides also poses a significant danger by eliminating their insect prey and potentially poisoning them through contaminated insects.
Are slender glass lizards endangered?
While not federally endangered in the United States, the slender glass lizard is listed as vulnerable in Iowa and was listed as endangered in Wisconsin in 1979. Conservation efforts in some areas focus on habitat management and reducing insecticide use.
Related Lizards
Slender glass lizard
The slender glass lizard, scientifically known as Ophisaurus attenuatus, is a legless lizard native to the United States. Characterized by its easily breakable tail, which aids in predator evasion, this species is often mistaken for a snake but can be distinguished by its movable eyelids and external ear openings. It inhabits prairies, old fields, and open woodlands, feeding on insects and small animals.
Texas horned lizard
The Texas horned lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) is a distinctive reptile known for its spiky body and ability to squirt blood from its eyes as a defense mechanism. Primarily found in south-central regions of the United States and northeastern Mexico, this lizard inhabits arid and semi-arid environments. Once abundant, its populations have experienced significant declines, leading to its classification as a threatened species in Texas.
Mimic glass lizard
The mimic glass lizard (Ophisaurus mimicus) is a legless lizard species belonging to the Anguidae family, found in the Southeastern United States. It is characterized by its dark brown to black coloration with a prominent middorsal stripe and several pale stripes above its lateral grooves. This species is notably adapted for high head and neck mobility, likely for feeding and defense, and inhabits frequently burned longleaf pine forests, wet prairies, and seepage slopes.