The European legless lizard, also commonly known as the European glass lizard or Sheltopusik, is a lizard found throughout Eastern Europe and Central Asia – and it has no legs. It has a similar appearance to a snake but unlike snakes, the legless lizard has eyelids, a rounded tongue, cone-shaped teeth, visible ear holes, a fused mandible (jaw bone) and a long tail that makes up approximately 50% of their total length.
European legless lizards can grow up to 2-3ft. They are usually a pale yellow or brownish colour to help them camouflage. Like many lizards, legless lizards engage in caudal autotomy. This means that they can drop their tails to evade predators and can even somewhat grow it back. They are carnivores, feeding mostly on insects, snails and small mice. They can live for up to 50 years in captivity.
