British Reptiles : Lizards 



the end of my rod against its body, when it immediately 

 glided away amongst the ranker vegetation. As it 

 moved off I renewed my efforts to locate it, but that 

 first Slow-worm I never saw again. Had 1 caught it, 

 no doubt the creature would simply have " left its tail 

 behind it " in the orthodox manner of its species. 



In certain districts the Slow-worm is known as the 

 Blind- worm. The latter designation may be traced to 

 the fact that the eyes are small and not readily observed ; 

 or it may be accounted for by the fact that when dead 

 the animal's inconspicuous eyes are hidden by their lids. 

 Yet close examination proves that these optics are quite 

 clear and sufficient for their purpose. 



As a rule, Slow-worms are located upon dry gravelly 

 soils, open heaths, airy moors, and old meadows. They 

 seem to object to dampness in any form, and love to 

 bask upon sandy slopes, and this characteristic is generally 

 observable in the females during the breeding season. 

 Once the direct rays of the sun have crossed the uplands, 

 the Slow-worm goes out to forage. When it secures a 

 worm, it slowly sucks the same, and ultimately swallows 

 the morsel. Both insect and slug are treated in the 

 same way. The Slow-worm, even while hunting, loves 

 to have a retreat in case of danger. A stone heap or a 

 bed of dense vegetation provides this security, and to such 

 quarters the Slow-worm retreats when danger threatens. 



Although the young are generally brought forth in 

 late summer or early autumn, the Slow-worm is usually 

 in its winter-quarters before that season is actually 



B. R. 9 2 



