Scheltopusik
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| Scheltopusik | ||||||||||||||||
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| Ophisaurus apodus Pallas, 1775 |
The Scheltopusik Ophisaurus apodus (formerly Pseudopus apodus) is a large Glass lizard found from southern Europe to Central Asia. This lizard can reach a length of 135 cm. It has a tan coloration, paler on the ventral surface and the head, with a ring-like appearance that makes it look like a giant earthworm. Small (2 mm) rear legs are near the cloaca.
Because of its size, this glass lizard is more likely to resist by hissing and biting and is less likely to drop off its tail. If part of the tail is lost, it grows back shorter and darker. In spite of its size and aggressiveness, this lizard is a popular pet and can live beyond fifty years in captivity.
This lizard likes open country, such as short grassland or sparsely wooded hills. Scheltopusik consumes small arthropods and mammals. It is particularly active in wet weather, although it prefers a dry habitat.nl:Scheltopusik pl:Żółtopuzik bałkański