Slow Worm

Description

The slow worm looks like a snake but is actually a legless lizard. It has movable eyelids and a forked tongue. It's glossy brown or grey-silver and completely harmless.

Behavior

Slow worms are shy and hide under stones, leaves, and compost heaps. They're slow movers and hunt slugs and worms. They can shed their tail as a defense mechanism.

What to do

No action needed. Put stones and brush piles back where you found them — these are important microhabitats for slow worms.

Pro tip

Flat, dark stones in the sun are classic hiding spots for slow worms. A stone pile in your garden attracts them as useful slug-catchers.

Interesting fact

Slow worms can live to 30 years or more, which is exceptionally long for a small lizard. They're protected across NW Europe.