Characteristics:
    This is a large lizard, reaching a length of around 2ft. This unusual looking lizard has not visible limbs giving it a very "snake-like" appearance. The presence of eyelids and ear openings help distinguish it from snakes. They are brown to tan in coloration with 6 dark stripes. There is also a fold of skin that runs down each side of this lizard.

*Note:  One subspecies exists in this area, western slender glass lizard (O. a. attenuatus)


Habitat:
   These lizards are most frequently seen in prairies, savannahs, open woods, and sand prairies.


Behavior:
    This interesting species of lizard got its common name from the ability to break off large portions of its tail very easily (as if it were made of glass). Nearly two-thirds of this lizard is tail, making the breakable tail a very effective escape strategy. Mating occurs in May and eggs are laid in late June. Glass lizards feed on a variety of invertebrates as well as other, smaller, lizards.


Personal Remarks:
    This is truly a remarkable species! It is such a thrill to find and hold one. They feel nothing like a snake, despite their looks. It is like a very large, very legless, skink. They are fairly uncommon in this area and to find them we have to either drive way out west or way up north. The drive is worth it though if we find one of these!