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Slow-worms are lizards and have different features to snakes (Chris Gleed-Owen)WILDLIFE INFORMATION SERVICE


Frequently Asked Questions about... snakes:


How do I tell the difference between a snake and a slow-worm?

The slow-worm (pictured right), as a legless lizard, possesses the following lizard-features which distinguishes them from snakes:

Cylindrical body.
Bullet-shaped head.
Moveable eyelid allowing them to blink.
Smooth, shiny appearance.
They can also detach their tails if attacked (like all UK lizards).

Often you may only catch a glimpse of the animal so 'shiny appearance' is the feature to keep in mind. Slow-worms also behave slightly differently to snakes - they prefer to warm themselves by sheltering under objects, like stones, patio slabs or in compost heaps, rather than basking out in the open.

More information:
Which species of snake did I see? >>>
Identifying reptiles. >>>
FAQs about slow-worms. >>>


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