REPTILIA: SQUAMATA: ANGUIDAE: Ophisaurus

Ophisaurus apodus Author and date

Sheltopusik

Photo & author credits

Range: Far eastern Europe and western Eurasia.

Diagnosis: A limbless elongated lizard with large rough armored scales, external ear openings, and moveable eyelids.

Description:

Natural History: The name "Ophisaurus" means "snake-lizard," and "apodus" means "legless." Though descriptive, sheltopusiks have vestigial hip bones and tiny flaps on either side of the cloaca.  

This long-lived species has survived up to 20 years in captivity, and is believed by some to reach 50 years of age. The primary diet is made of soft-bodied invertebrates such as snails, slugs, and worms. Thy can, however,  take small birds, lizards, mammals, and large insects.

Reproduction:

Taxonomy & Relationships: Some authorities recognize two or three subspecies of sheltopusik. The closest living relatives are slow-worms, European lizards of the genus Anguis, and a few other species of Asiatic Ophisaurus.

Variation:

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