Ophisaurus mimicus
Description: 15-25.75 in. (38-65.7 cm) The smallest glass lizards in the region, mimic glass lizards are usually tan or brown, and can be found with or without pale and dark speckling. They have a dark brown or black mid-dorsal stripe. They also have three or four dark stripes or rows of spots above the lateral groove which are separated by pale stripes. The males are usually larger than the females. Mimic glass lizards are diurnal and males seem to be more active than females.
Feeding/Diet: They eat various arthropods including earthworms.
Habitat/Range: This species is found in the southeastern Coastal Plain. They are most common in pine flatwoods and open woodlands.
Reproduction: Little is known about the reproductive habits of this species.
Miscellaneous: The mimic glass lizard is a legless lizard and is often mistaken for a snake. However, unlike snakes, mimic glass lizards have movable eyelids and external ear openings. The mimic glass lizard gets its name from its similarity to other glass lizard species, such as the slender glass lizard. Like other glass lizards, a mimic glass lizard may break off its tail if restrained. This propensity to “shatter” is the origin of the name glass lizard, and adults with perfect tails are rare. Once detached, tail fragments continue to writhe for several minutes, distracting predators and allowing the lizard to escape. The tail later regrows.
Photo by Pierson Hill
