06/04/2025
Pseudopus apodus; the European leglessss lizard
The European legless lizard, also known as the sheltopusik, also known as the European glass lizard is one of the strangest animals in the world. First off how legless lizards move. European legless lizards move by undulating their bodies, a movement similar to that of snakes, but without the same degree of flexibility. Their muscles primarily contract to create a wave-like motion that propels them forward. Unlike snakes, they lack the extensive belly muscles needed for efficient snake-like locomotion. Second off the defining features of the legless lizard vs a snake. Snakes have a fleshy tendon connecting the left and right side of the jaws so the mouth can expand with the muscles. Legless lizards have a completely fixed jaw like any other lizard, they also have all the typical characteristics of other lizards. External earholes, fleshy toungue, thick teeth adapted for a omnivorous diet, nose nostrils, eyelids, and they can even drop their tail! The tail dropping is actually where they get the name "glass lizard" because they can break their tails off in multiple sections, almost like shattered glass. Now onto the care for these animals. These animals are native from southeastern Europe to southwestern Asian in more arid plains environments, for this reason your not going to want it very humid for them; though they can tolerate a humidity spike here and there. These are a mainly diurnal animal benefitting from a basking spot around 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit and will benefit from UVB exposure. Diet should consist of primarily insects and dark leafy greens, but some have fed frozen thawed rodents on occasion, as well as night crawlers and high quality wet cat food.
All in all legless lizards are probably one of the most interesting animals you could possibly ever own and are not that difficult for the grand majority of keepers! Check them out at Animal Jungle Pet Shop at 4974 darrow road in stow!!!
