REPTILIA: SQUAMATA: ANGUIDAE: Ophisaurus

Ophisaurus ventralis Author and date

Glass snake / glass lizard

Photos & text by Dr. Robert Sprackland.

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A subadult glass lizard from Naples, Florida, December 1992.

Range: The southeastern United States from Kansas to the Atlantic coast and south into Florida.

Diagnosis:

Description: Head somewhat acute, covered with large, symmetrical smooth scales. Dorsal and ventral scales square or rectangular, keeled. A distinct lateral fold on either side. Limbs absent. Eyelids and ear openings open. Tail more than 60% of total length.

Natural History: The term "glass snake" refers to the belief by many people that these lizards "fracture" into two parts, both of which regrow into full animals. In fact, the tail is very fragile and lost to potential predators, and is regrown by the lizard.

"Ophisaurus" comes from Greek words and means "snake lizard."

Reproduction:

Taxonomy & Relationships: Though legless, glass lizards are most closely allied to the American alligator lizards (Gerrhonotus and Elgaria). There are several Asiatic species in the genus Ophisaurus including the sheltopusik.

Variation:

Additional Comments:

Type Specimen:

 Literature:  Click on book to order a copy

Bartlett, Richard and Patricia Bartlett. 1999. A field guide to Florida reptiles and amphibians. Gulf Publishing, Houston, TX. ISBN: 0-88415-277-4.

Carmichael, Pete and Winston Williams. 1991. Florida's Fabulous Reptiles & Amphibians. World Publications, Tampa. ISBN: 0-911977-11-2.

Conant, Roger and Joseph T. Collins. 1998. Reptiles and Amphibians: Eastern/Central North America. Houghton Mifflin, Boston. ISBN: 0-395-90452-8.