Aniellids have been observed in a laboratory to lie motionless in the 
sand for days at a time, except when distracted by some noise or moving 
object. When the temperature fell below sixty degrees Fahrenheit a group 
of the lizards would submerge as deeply as possible and crowd together 
for warmth. When the room grew warmer, the individuals would again 
separate and bring their heads to the surface. 
“GLASS SNAKE” 
Another type of worm-like lizard is represented by the anguids, found 
chiefly in the warmer regions of the New World, but also having a few 
Asiatic and several European species. A typical member of this family 
is the “glass snake,” which attains a length of three to four feet. 
The “glass snake” burrows in sand and among fallen leaves, subsisting 
largely on insects. After catching its prey, the reptile stuns it by a powerful 
shaking and then crunches it in its jaws. 
Prof. Franz Werner reports that peasants of southern Europe believe 
that the “glass snake” can snap itself to pieces and put itself together 
at will. This superstition is based on the creature’s ability, when seized by 
the exceedingly long tail, to lose that appendage, which goes on wriggling — 
the lizard escaping in the excitement. The “glass snake” periodically sheds 
its entire epidermis. 
It lays its eggs under moss and leaves. Six to twenty young emerge 
alive. These reptiles grow quite tame in the presence of man. When caught, 
they do not bite but sometimes soil their captor’s hands with a saliva 
resembling tobacco juice. One captive specimen lived more than thirty 
years. 
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