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Slow-Worm
Anguis fragilis
At first glance, the slow-worm looks like a beautiful mid-brown coloured snake. Under expert inspection vestiges of disgarded limbs will be evident. It is, in fact, a legless lizard!
This species is well distributed around the whole of the Kinson Common. It is usually found under discarded metal or even logs. Sometimes it may be observed wandering freely over the heathland or suitable grassy places.
In common with all lizards, females retain the eggs until they are about to hatch. Young slow-worms resemble wriggling silver or mid-brown tiny strings, and once free of their eggs, are entirely independent creatures.
Slow-worms can be handled with care and like all lizards, shed a small portion of their tail to escape from predators. Unfortunately, they do fall victim to snakes and the hedghog.Slow-worms can be handled with care and like all lizards, shed a small portion of their tail to escape from predators. Unfortunately, they do fall victim to snakes and the hedghog.
They are early to awaken from hiberanation underground in the springtime and are active until the onset of autumn.
Haunt. Generally everywhere on the Kinson Common.
Food. Insects including spiders and even worms.
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