Not a Worm, Not a Snake, but a Lizard: Unveiling the Slow Worm’s Secrets
Photo Credit: David Chapman / Albany Stock Photo
Description: A slow worm found in grassland. This photo was featured in an article by Woodland Trust on the slow worm.
Not a Worm, Not a Snake, but a Lizard: Unveiling the Slow Worm’s Secrets
When you hear "Slow Worm," what comes to mind? Perhaps you think of the earthworms
that surface after a rainstorm or the slugs that feast on your garden plants. But what if I told you
this critter isn't a worm at all. The slow worm is often mistaken for many things, but it's actually a
fascinating reptile.
These lizards are found across Europe and in parts of Asia; thriving in backyards, gardens,
forests, and fields. Join me as we unravel the mystery of the slow worm, exploring its
fascinating characteristics, habitat, diet, behavior, reproduction habits, and conservation efforts
to protect them. There's so much to learn about this often-misjudged creature.
Map of the United Kingdom
Credit: Google Images (Unknown Source)
In the introduction, we cleared up one common misconception: the slow worm is not a worm.
Another common misconception is that it’s a snake, but it's actually a legless lizard. Although
the slow worm has a long, slender body like a snake, there are key ways to distinguish the two.
One of the most noticeable differences is that slow worms can blink, which snakes cannot.
Additionally, slow worms lack a neck, giving them a more worm-like appearance. Their tongues
are also notched, unlike the forked tongues of snakes. Another distinctive feature is that slow
worms have smooth scales that do not overlap, which aids in burrowing and allows them to
move more easily through the soil.
Photo Credit: Natural History Museum / Instagram: natural_history_museum
Description: A slow worm featured in a post by the Natural History Museum on Instagram for
Reptile Awareness Day.
Slow worms possess remarkable defensive abilities to evade predators. They use different
tactics depending on the predator they encounter, which can include hedgehogs, birds, snakes,
and badgers. Their first line of defense is to remain completely still, hoping to go undetected.
Despite their name, slow worms are not slow and will attempt to flee and hide if necessary.
However, if they realize they cannot escape, they resort to their main tactic: releasing
foul-smelling feces. This usually deters predators, giving the slow worm a chance to escape.
As a final defense, slow worms can also shed their tails. While this tactic can only be used
once—the regenerated tail lacks the same effectiveness—it can be a lifesaving maneuver in
desperate situations.
Photo Credit: California Herps
Source: California Herps - Lizard Life History: Tail Loss
Description: A slow worm detaching its tail, as featured on California Herps.
Furthermore, slow worms are among Europe’s most valuable gardeners, playing a key role in
garden pest control. Europeans often welcome their presence, as it indicates a healthy
ecosystem. Slow worms are commonly found in dense plant life, such as grasslands, woodland
floors, scrublands, and even along road verges in urban, suburban, and rural areas.
As fall and winter approach, slow worms seek out a safe place to hibernate. They dig deep into
the ground, burrowing themselves until the land warms again in spring. The best time to spot a
slow worm is between spring and early autumn.
Photo Credit: Bexley Wildlife
Source: Bexley Wildlife - For the Sake of Slow Worms, Be Careful with Your Compost Heap
Description: A slow worm near a compost heap, as featured on Bexley Wildlife, Photo by Jason Steel.
The slow worm feeds on various soft-bodied invertebrates, including slugs, earthworms,
spiders, and snails. They prefer their prey to be slow-moving so their backward-curved teeth can
effectively grip onto prey. The slow worm is nocturnal and begins hunting at dusk. Despite being
nocturnal, they often bask on rocks or hang out near compost heaps, soaking up warmth since
they are cold-blooded.
Photo Credit: ScienceDirect
Source: ScienceDirect - Anguis fragilis (Slow Worm)
Description: A depiction of Anguis fragilis, also known as the slow worm, as featured on ScienceDirect.
Their lifespan can be impressive; a slow worm can live up to 30 years in the wild.
Remarkably, there is documentation of a slow worm at the Copenhagen Zoo that lived for 54
years in captivity. Slow worms also have unique mating habits. Male slow worms become
aggressive as they compete for a mate, engaging in hostile biting and wrestling until one is
defeated. Once a winner emerges, the victorious male begins the dramatic mating process. The
male bites the female on the head and neck, locking them together, which can leave permanent
scars on the female. Their bodies twist and swirl together, remaining connected for over ten
hours during mating. Slow worms are polygynandrous, meaning both males and females have
multiple mates during the mating season, which occurs from May to June. After mating season,
the female incubates the eggs internally. The eggs hatch inside her, with the young feed on
the yolk until they are ready to be born. A female typically gives birth to an average of eight
young but there is always a chance for more to be born.
Photo Credit: r/GardenWild on Reddit
Source: Reddit - Slow Worm Mating Behavior
Description: Slow worms exhibiting mating behavior, as shared on Reddit.
In the United Kingdom, the slow worm population has been declining each year due to habitat
loss. As a result, slow worms have been listed under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside
Act, making it illegal to kill, injure, sell, or keep these reptiles. To help support slow worm habitats,
consider creating a welcoming environment for them and other reptiles in your garden. Adding a
pond can attract prey like amphibians and insects, providing a food source. Arrange stones and
logs in a sunny area near long vegetation to offer basking spots and shelter. You can also place
corrugated iron or felt directly on the ground, which reptiles can use for basking and shelter.
Once you’ve set up these features, leave the area undisturbed, and after some time,
carefully check on a sunny day to see if any reptiles have moved in.
In conclusion, slow worms are fascinating and vital creatures that play an important role in
maintaining the ecological balance, particularly in gardens and natural habitats. Despite their value,
their populations are under threat due to habitat loss, making it crucial to take steps to
protect them. By understanding their unique characteristics, behaviors, and the challenges they
face. We can better appreciate the slow worm and contribute to its conservation. Simple actions,
such as creating reptile-friendly spaces in our gardens, can make a significant difference in
ensuring that slow worms continue to thrive in the wild for generations to come.
References
Source: Animalia.bio. "Slow Worm." Animalia.bio. Accessed August 30, 2024. https://animalia.bio/slowworm#:~
Source: Encyclopædia Britannica. "Slow Worm." Encyclopædia Britannica. Accessed August 30, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/animal/slowworm.
Source: Natural History Museum. "Slow Worms: The Most Unusual Lizards in Britain." Natural History Museum. Accessed August 30, 2024. https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/slow-worms-most-unusual-lizards-in-britain.html.
Source: Nurturing Nature. "Slow Worm (Anguis fragilis): A First for My Wildlife Garden." Nurturing Nature. Accessed August 30, 2024. https://nurturing-nature.co.uk/wildlife-garden-videos/slow-worm-anguis-fragilis-a-first-for-my-wildlife-garden/#:~
=Although%20the%20slow%20worm%20may,great%20for%20an%20organic%20gardener!
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