Eastern Glass Lizard
Ophisaurus ventralis
Conservation Status
Least ConcernReptilia · Anguidae
About
The eastern glass lizard is a species of legless lizard in the family Anguidae and the longest and heaviest species of glass lizards in the genus Ophisaurus, endemic to the Southeastern United States. The streamlined, legless species is often confused with snakes. Glass lizards differ from snakes as they possess a moveable eyelid and an external ear opening as well as a lateral groove that separates the different types of scales on the animal, while all three of these features are absent in snakes. Snakes also have flexible jaws while lizards do not. Ventralis comes from the Latin "venter" meaning belly; this is in reference to the snake-like movement.
Fun Fact
Females will encircle their clutch but may retreat when approached and generally do not defend their eggs.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found in tidal areas such as coastal dunes because they are resistant to salty conditions.
Diet
Eat almost anything that may cross their path, including insects, small mammals, eggs, small birds and sometimes even fruits or vegetation.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance