Smooth Snake vs Legless Lizard: Clarifying the Facts

Have you ever come across a creature that resembles a lizard but lacks legs only to be surprised by the truth? If so, you might have encountered the smooth snake (Coronella austriaca) and the slow worm (Anguis fragilis). These creatures often cause confusion due to their superficial similarities. In this article, we will delve into the details of these two fascinating reptiles, exploring their characteristics, taxonomic classification, and distinguishing features.

The Smooth Snake: A True Snake in the Colubridae Family

The smooth snake (Coronella austriaca) is truly a member of the snake family, Colubridae. It is a non-venomous species found primarily in Europe, particularly in countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and Poland. Unlike lizards, smooth snakes have no legs and share a number of physical features with typical snakes, such as their elongated bodies and scales. They can grow up to 1 meter in length and have a slender body covered in smooth, glossy scales. The coloration of a smooth snake varies, typically ranging from grey to brown, often with patterns that help it blend into its environment, making it an elusive and fascinating creature to observe.

The Slow Worm: A Legless Lizard in the Anguidae Family

The slow worm (Anguis fragilis) is a unique species classified in the family Anguidae, commonly referred to as the legless lizards. Despite their name, slow worms are not actually lizards but rather a distinct group of reptiles. These creatures are covered in smooth, warty skin, which is often a distinguishing feature when compared to snakes. Slow worms can grow up to 50 centimeters in length and are typically found in the UK and other parts of Europe. Their medical and taxonomical classification may be complex, as some species are known to exhibit intermediate characteristics between snakes and true lizards.

Distinguishing Features of Smooth Snakes and Slow Worms

Both the smooth snake and the slow worm share some physical characteristics, which can make them hard to differentiate for inexperienced observers. However, a closer look at their differences can help in correctly identifying one from the other. Smooth snakes have a distinct head shape compared to slow worms, with a more pronounced neck and a head that is broader than the body. Slow worms, on the other hand, have a more consistent body shape and their heads are generally narrower.

Behavior and Habitat

The behavior and habitat of smooth snakes and slow worms are also quite distinct. Smooth snakes are highly specialized in their hunting methods and prefer areas with sufficient cover, such as rocky outcrops and dense vegetation. They are active during daylight hours and are often seen basking in the sun, a behavior more commonly associated with lizards rather than snakes. In contrast, slow worms tend to be more active at night, and their preferred habitats include gardens, hedgerows, and grasslands. While slow worms can be mistaken for snakes when encountered outdoors, their distributions are typically more limited due to habitat preferences and the distinctions mentioned above.

Conservation Status and Recognition

Both the smooth snake and the slow worm play crucial roles in their respective ecosystems. However, their conservation status varies, with both species facing threats such as habitat loss and fragmentation. Conservation efforts for the smooth snake, which is listed under the Environment Act in the UK, have shown some positive results. Efforts to protect the slow worm are also ongoing, and these creatures are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act in the UK.

FAQs

Q: Are smooth snakes and slow worms venomous?
Smooth snakes are non-venomous and pose no threat to humans. Slow worms, although not venomous, are capable of secreting a milky fluid from glands under their eyes, which can cause an irritating itching sensation if the fluid comes into contact with the eyes. However, this fluid is not dangerous.

Q: Can smooth snakes and slow worms coexist in the same habitat?
Yes, smooth snakes and slow worms can coexist in the same habitat, although their behaviors and preferences typically lead to minimal direct interaction.

Q: How can one tell if a creature is a smooth snake or a slow worm?
Carefully observe the creature's head shape, the presence of nictitating membranes (a transparent eyelid), and movements. Snakes move more serpentine, while slow worms move in a more resistant, wriggling fashion. Touching a slow worm can also help distinguish it, as it may release a fluid, while a snake will not.