Glass lizard
genus of reptiles
Glass lizards, or glass snakes, are a genus of reptiles that look like snakes. Although most species have no legs, their head shapes, movable eyelids, and external ear openings show they are lizards. A few species have very small, stub-like legs near their rear vent (cloaca). These are vestigial organs.
| Glass lizard | |
|---|---|
| |
| Eastern glass lizard (Ophisaurus ventralis) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Suborder: | |
| Family: | |
| Subfamily: | |
| Genus: | Ophisaurus
|
Most described species are native to Asia, a few occur in North America, and at least one can be found in North Africa.
Like many lizards, they have the ability to drop off part of the tail when attacked. It can break into several pieces, like glass. The tail stays mobile, distracting the predator, while the lizard keeps still.
Wikispecies has information on: Ophisaurus.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ophisaurus.
