It looks like a snake — is it really a lizard?

Yes, it's a true lizard belonging to the glass lizard family. It differs from snakes by having movable eyelids, ear openings, and a lateral skin fold. Its limbs are almost entirely gone, but a 2 to 3 mm hind-limb vestige remains near the cloaca.

How large does it grow?

Adults can reach 120 to 140 cm in total length. Since it's one of the largest species in its family, it's important to prepare a suitably long enclosure well in advance.

How long does it live?

Captive individuals have been recorded living up to 50 years, making it a very long-lived animal. Before bringing one home, it's worth considering whether you can provide care over such a long span.

Can a beginner keep this species?

This species is considered suitable for advanced keepers. It's best suited to those with prior reptile-keeping experience who can recognize signs of condition changes.

Is it listed under CITES?

No, the European legless lizard is not listed under CITES. There is nothing else to note regarding CITES for this species.

European Legless Lizard

The European legless lizard is the largest member of the glass lizard family, with limbs reduced to barely a trace — just a 2 to 3 mm vestige near the cloaca. At a glance it looks like a snake, but movable eyelids, external ear openings, and a distinctive fold of skin running along its sides set it apart once you know what to look for. Calm and slow-moving, it's a rewarding animal to simply observe. Adults can reach 120 to 140 cm in length, and captive individuals have been recorded living up to 50 years, making this a long-term commitment best suited to experienced reptile keepers.

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About European Legless Lizard

The European legless lizard, the largest glass lizard species, resembles a snake but is identified by its movable eyelids and lateral skin fold. Reaching up to 120–140 cm, it can live 50 years in captivity, making it a long-term commitment for experienced keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a European Legless Lizard

1Snake-like, but not a snake
Though its limbs are almost entirely gone, it has movable eyelids, ear openings, and a lateral skin fold that snakes lack. These features make it easy to tell apart once you know what to check.
2A lifelong commitment
Captive individuals have been recorded living up to 50 years. Before bringing one home, think through how your own life circumstances might change over such a long span of care.
3Plan for a large adult size
Adults can reach 120 to 140 cm in total length. Prepare a long, spacious enclosure well before they reach full size so they can fully stretch out.
4Best suited to experienced keepers
This species is considered suitable for advanced keepers. Prior reptile-keeping experience helps in reading subtle cues like handling response and changes in condition.
5Give it places to burrow and hide
This lizard likes to tuck into ground-level gaps and leaf litter, so multiple hiding spots and substrate deep enough to burrow into will help it settle in.
6Maintain a proper temperature gradient
A gradient within the enclosure lets it regulate its own body temperature, which is fundamental to its health. Avoid sudden temperature swings and watch daily for any changes in behavior or condition.
7Keep handling calm and quiet
Some individuals are sensitive to noise and sudden movement. Placing the enclosure in a quiet spot and handling it calmly and slowly can help reduce stress.

Frequently asked questions about European Legless Lizard

Q.It looks like a snake — is it really a lizard?: A.Yes, it's a true lizard belonging to the glass lizard family. It differs from snakes by having movable eyelids, ear openings, and a lateral skin fold. Its limbs are almost entirely gone, but a 2 to 3 mm hind-limb vestige remains near the cloaca.
Q.How large does it grow?: A.Adults can reach 120 to 140 cm in total length. Since it's one of the largest species in its family, it's important to prepare a suitably long enclosure well in advance.
Q.How long does it live?: A.Captive individuals have been recorded living up to 50 years, making it a very long-lived animal. Before bringing one home, it's worth considering whether you can provide care over such a long span.
Q.Can a beginner keep this species?: A.This species is considered suitable for advanced keepers. It's best suited to those with prior reptile-keeping experience who can recognize signs of condition changes.
Q.Is it listed under CITES?: A.No, the European legless lizard is not listed under CITES. There is nothing else to note regarding CITES for this species.