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Home > Lizards > Eastern Glass Lizard

Eastern Glass Lizard

Eastern glass lizard is a species of lizard belonging to the family Anguidae, found only in the Southeastern United States. The species is devoid of legs. When captured, the lizard breaks off all or part of its tail as a means to escape by distracting the predator; the tail later regrows.



    Kingdom Animalia
    Phylum Chordata
    Subphylum Vertebrata
    Class Reptilia
    Order Squamata
    Suborder Autarchoglossa
    Family Anguidae
    Genus Ophisaurus
    Scientific Name Ophisaurus ventralis


    Size 46–108 cm (18–43 in)
    Color Greenish upper surface with yellow lower surface; numerous dark longitudinal lines on the outer surface; series of vertical, non-uniform white marks on the neck
    Distribution North Carolina, south Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Missouri
    Habitat Flatwoods and around wetlands in sandy habitats, coastal dune habitats
    Diet Insects like grasshoppers, crickets and beetles; also consume spiders, small mice, snails, eggs of other reptiles, ground-nesting birds
    Hibernation Fact Hibernate during winter
    Predators kingsnakes, birds
    Breeding Season Early summer
    Mode of Reproduction Oviparous (egg laying)
    Clutch Size 7 to 15 eggs
    Incubation Period Around 2 months
    IUCN Conservation Status Least Concern

    Eastern Glass Lizard Pictures Gallery

    Published on February 4th 2017 by under Lizards. Article was last reviewed on 13th June 2019.

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