The glass lizards or glass snakes, genus Ophisaurus, (from the Greek 'snake-lizard') are a group of reptiles that resemble snakes, but are actually lizards. Although most species have no legs, their head shape and the fact that they have movable eyelids and external ear openings identify them as lizards. A few species have very small stub-like legs near the rear vent. These animals are also known as Glass Snakes or Jointed Snakes.
Ten Facts about Eastern Glass Lizard
- They reach lengths of up to 4 feet (1.2 m), but approximately two-thirds of this is the tail.
- Their common name comes from the fact that they are easily broken.
- they have the ability to deter predation by dropping off part of the tail which can break into several pieces, like glass.
- The tail remains mobile, distracting the predator, while the lizard becomes motionless, allowing eventual escape.
- The greatest number of species in the genus are native to Asia, from India to China and the Indonesian islands.
- They eat insects, spiders e.t.c.
- These small lizards can live over 10 years.
- A female will lay 8-17 eggs from June to August, They will take two months to hatch.
- This lizard has no legs, but does have eyelids and ears that snakes do not have.
- The tail will re-generate as long as the lizard finds food and stays healthy.
