Eastern Glass Lizard
Ophisaurus ventralis
The Eastern Glass Lizard resembles a snake but has eyelids, external ear openings, and the ability to shed its long tail.
The Eastern Glass Lizard resembles a snake but has eyelids, external ear openings, and the ability to shed its long tail.
A long, legless lizard with movable eyelids, visible ear openings, smooth scales, a pointed head, and a groove along each side of the body.
Burrows through loose soil and vegetation. When grabbed, it can break off its tail to distract a predator.
Nonvenomous and harmless. Do not pick it up by the tail, which can detach.
Do not capture or relocate native wildlife without checking current FWC requirements. Protect sandy cover and leaf litter where practical.
Habitat:
Freshwater Wetlands, Coastal Waters, Pine Flatwoods and Sandhills, Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Agricultural Areas
Area / Range:
Statewide
Diet:
Insects, spiders, snails, small rodents, frogs, lizards, and eggs.
Behavior:
Burrows through loose soil and vegetation. When grabbed, it can break off its tail to distract a predator.
Daytime, Dawn, Dusk
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Warm mornings in sandy grass, leaf litter, or loose soil
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Least Concern
Safety Level:
Safe
Safety Information:
Nonvenomous and harmless. Do not pick it up by the tail, which can detach.
Benefits to Property:
Consumes insects, snails, and other small pests in naturalized landscapes.
Property Concerns:
Mowers, outdoor cats, road traffic, and mistaken identity with snakes cause many deaths.
Fun Fact:
The breakable tail inspired the name glass lizard. A replacement tail grows slowly and often looks different.
Wildlife Laws:
Do not capture or relocate native wildlife without checking current FWC requirements. Protect sandy cover and leaf litter where practical.
Identification:
A long, legless lizard with movable eyelids, visible ear openings, smooth scales, a pointed head, and a groove along each side of the body.