Eastern Glass Lizard

Ophisaurus ventralis

These long, legless lizards are often mistaken for snakes. They move as snakes do, but look closely and you'll see eyelids and ear openings -- not found in snakes. Glass lizards have scales stiffened by small, bony plates, which makes them feel brittle. Their long, fragile tails snap easily, and few adults have their original tails. Like alligator lizards, they have a fold along the side that allows them to expand. Females lay their eggs in moist cavities under logs and coil over them to protect them while they develop.

Look For : A large, legless lizard with a fold in the skin along each side. Adults black with square green spots; young tan with dark stripes. Belly yellow. Scales on back have pale dots on edges.

Length : 18-43".

Habitat : Flatwoods, wet meadows, sand dunes, coastal forests, moist hammocks, vacant lots.

Range : Southeast, from Mississippi through North Carolina.