Anguis graeca

Anguis graeca is a species of legless lizard in the family Anguidae. Unlike snakes, legless lizards retain eyelids and external ear openings, features that distinguish them from their serpentine cousins. Anguis graeca is endemic to southeastern Europe, specifically found in regions that encompass parts of Greece and possibly extending into neighboring countries. This species inhabits a variety of habitats but shows a preference for moist, covered areas such as forests, meadows, and areas with dense underbrush.

Description

Anguis graeca exhibits a slender body with smooth scales, which can vary in color from shades of brown to grey, often with darker markings along the body. Like other members of the genus Anguis, Anguis graeca lacks limbs, which can make it resemble a snake at first glance. However, its ability to blink with eyelids and its visible ear openings quickly set it apart from snakes. The size of Anguis graeca can vary, but it generally reaches a length of up to 50 cm.

Behavior

Anguis graeca is a secretive and elusive species, spending much of its time hidden under leaf litter, in dense vegetation, or within the soil. It is primarily diurnal, emerging during the day to hunt for its prey, which includes a variety of invertebrates such as insects, worms, and slugs. Reproduction in Anguis graeca is ovoviviparous, meaning the females give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. This reproductive strategy is advantageous in the cooler climates of its habitat, as it reduces the vulnerability of eggs to predation and environmental fluctuations.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of Anguis graeca has not been extensively studied, but habitat destruction and fragmentation pose potential threats to its populations. Urbanization, agriculture, and forestry practices can lead to the loss of suitable habitats for this species. Conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the preservation of its natural habitats and to monitor population trends.

Taxonomy

The taxonomy of Anguis graeca has been subject to revision, and it was previously considered a subspecies of the slow worm (Anguis fragilis) before being recognized as a distinct species. The recognition of Anguis graeca as a separate species is based on morphological and genetic differences from other members of the genus Anguis.

See Also

• Anguidae
• Herpetology
• Conservation biology