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.
Key Facts
- ›Reaches lengths of up to 135 cm (4.43 ft).
- ›Distinguished from snakes by the presence of ears and eyelids.
- ›Possesses tiny, 2-MM rear legs near the cloaca.
- ›Prefers open country habitats like short grassland and sparsely wooded hills.
- ›Its diet includes arthropods, small mammals, and a particular fondness for snails and slugs.
- ›Known to hiss, bite, and 'musk' when threatened, and can shed its tail (caudal autotomy).
Pallas's Glass Lizard, European Legless Lizard, European Glass Lizard, Scheltopusik, Sheltopusick, Scheltopusick, Sheltopusic, Scheltopusic, Yellow-Bellied
Southern Europe, Central Asia, Crimea, Transcaucasia, Kazakhstan, Levant, Croatia, Greece, Western Turkey
- Can Reach A Length of 135 cm .
- Tan Colored, Paler On the Ventral Surface and Head.
- Possesses A Ring-Like/Segmented Appearance.
- Features A Distinctive Fold of Skin Down Each Side Called A Lateral Groove.
- Small Rear Legs Are Sometimes Visible Near the Cloaca.
- Distinguished From Snakes By Its Ears and Eyelids.
- Exhibits Sexual Dimorphism, With Males Being On Average Larger Than Females.
Arthropods, Small Mammals, Snails, Slugs, Crickets, Mealworms, Small Mice, Eggs, Pieces of Meat
- Active In Wet Weather, Despite Preferring Dry Habitat.
- Responds To Harassment By Hissing, Biting, and Musking.
- Capable of Caudal Autotomy .
- May Guard Eggs.
- Rarely Captive-Bred.
- Do Not Typically Tolerate A Large Amount of Handling, But Adapt To Captivity.
- Can Become Excited Around Food.
About Sheltopusik
The Sheltopusik: A Legless Marvel of Eurasia
The sheltopusik, scientifically known as Pseudopus apodus, is a remarkable reptile distinguished by its complete absence of functional legs, leading to its common names such as the European legless lizard, European glass lizard, or Pallas's glass lizard. This species is found across a wide range, from the southern reaches of Europe eastward through Central Asia. Its appearance is somewhat serpentine, but it can be definitively identified as a lizard by its visible eyelids and external ear openings, features absent in true snakes.
Physical Characteristics and Habitat
Sheltopusiks are large lizards, capable of reaching lengths of up to 135 cm (4.43 ft). Their coloration is typically tan, often lighter on their underside and head, and they possess a distinctive segmented or ring-like pattern. A notable feature is a lateral groove running down each side of their body, a fold of skin that aids in their movement. While they appear entirely legless, the presence of tiny, vestigial hind legs, measuring about 2 mm, is sometimes observed near the cloaca. These lizards generally inhabit open country, preferring areas like short grasslands and sparsely wooded hills, often seeking microhabitats that provide a mix of sunlight and shade.
Diet and Behavior
The diet of the sheltopusik is varied, consisting of arthropods and small mammals. They show a particular preference for snails and slugs, their robust teeth and jaw structure being well-adapted for crushing shells. Interestingly, they tend to be more active during wet weather, which is favorable for their preferred prey, although they do favor a dry habitat overall. When faced with perceived threats or harassment, the sheltopusik may resort to hissing, biting, or releasing a defensive musk. They also possess the ability to shed their tail, a phenomenon known as caudal autotomy, which can break into pieces, contributing to the myth of a 'glass' lizard that can shatter and reassemble.
Reproduction and Captivity
Reproduction in Pseudopus apodus involves the female laying approximately eight eggs about ten weeks after mating. These eggs are typically hidden under bark or stones, and the mother may guard them. The young hatch after 45 to 55 days and usually begin feeding within four days. Sheltopusiks are often encountered in the exotic pet trade, though captive breeding is less common. While they may not tolerate extensive handling, they are known to adapt well to captivity, feeding on a range of items including insects, small mice, eggs, and meat. They are considered hardy captives, with a potential lifespan of up to 50 years.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name for the sheltopusik?
The scientific name for the sheltopusik is Pseudopus apodus. It was previously classified under the genus Ophisaurus but is now recognized in its own genus, Pseudopus.
What does the name 'sheltopusik' mean?
The common name 'sheltopusik' originates from the Russian word 'zheltopuzik,' which translates to 'yellow-bellied.' The scientific name, Pseudopus apodus, comes from Greek and means 'fake-legged' or 'without legs.'
How large can a sheltopusik get?
The sheltopusik is a large species, capable of reaching a total length of up to 135 cm (4.43 ft). Males tend to be larger than females, indicating sexual dimorphism.
What kind of habitat does the sheltopusik live in?
Sheltopusiks inhabit open country environments such as short grasslands or sparsely wooded hills. They show a preference for microhabitats that offer a combination of sunny and shaded areas.
What do sheltopusiks eat?
Their diet primarily consists of arthropods and small mammals. Snails and slugs are noted as a favorite prey item, and their teeth and jaw structure are well-suited for breaking through shells.
Do sheltopusiks have legs?
Sheltopusiks are legless lizards, although they possess very small, barely discernible rear legs, typically around 2 mm in length, located near the cloaca. Their ears and eyelids are key features that distinguish them from snakes.
How do sheltopusiks defend themselves?
When threatened, sheltopusiks may hiss, bite, and release a musky scent. They are also capable of caudal autotomy, meaning they can shed their tail, which can break into pieces, giving rise to the 'glass lizard' moniker.
How do sheltopusiks reproduce?
Female sheltopusiks lay approximately eight eggs about 10 weeks after mating, often hiding and guarding them. The young hatch after 45 to 55 days and usually begin feeding within four days of hatching.
Can sheltopusiks be kept as pets?
Yes, sheltopusiks are often available in the exotic pet trade. While they may not tolerate extensive handling, they can adapt to captivity and are known to accept a variety of foods, including insects, small rodents, eggs, and meat.
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.
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.
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.