Slow worm
Slow Worm Introduction
The slow worm is species of reptile located in UK and Ireland. The slow worm has many names like the deaf adder, the blind worm and sometimes even the long-cripple. Slow-worms can be found in heath land, tussocky grassland, woodland edges and rides where they can find invertebrates to eat and a sunny patch in which to sunbathe. They are often found in mature gardens and allotments, where they like hunting around the compost heap. However, if you have a cat, you are unlikely to find them in your garden as cats predate them. The skin of slow worms is smooth with scales that do not overlap one another. Like many other lizards, they automatize, meaning that they have the ability to shed their tails to escape predators. While the tail regrows, it does not reach its original length. In the UK, they are common in gardens, and can be encouraged to enter and help remove pest insects by placing black plastic or a piece of tin on the ground. On warm days, one or more slow worms can often be found underneath these heat collectors.
Keywords to learn
Predate: Exist or occur at a date earlier than (something)
Tin: An airtight sealed container for preserving food, made of tinplate or aluminum; a can
About Me
Hey Kids, my name is Seth the Slow worm and I am very happy to meet you. Learn more about me and my species @
Key Data
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Order:Squamata.
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Lifespan:30-50 years.
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Class:Reptilia.
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Scientific Name:Anguis fragilis.
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Mass:0.7 to 3.5 ounces.
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Length:8 to 20 inches.
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Region found:UK and Ireland.
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Population Status:Least concern.
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Current population trend:Stable.
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Diet:Carnivorous.
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Sexual maturity:3-5 years.
As you have just learned, the slow worm is a fantastic little lizard located on some small countries in Europe and is pretty cute aswell, as far as lizards go!
Now that you know more about the slow worm by learning the key data above, be sure also to check out the fun facts. When you are finished learning the facts, try answering the questions in the Q&A corner on the bottom right side of the page.
Download questions about the slow worm here: Slow Worm (answers are on this page)
Teachers. For more in depth work sheets on lizards. Click on Kidskonnect Worksheets
Slow Worm Fun Facts for Kids
- # 1. Although the slow worm can be found in Ireland it was actually introduced there illegally in the 1970s and is classified as an invasive species.
- # 2. In the United Kingdom, the slow worm has been granted protected status, alongside all other native British reptile species. The slow worm has been decreasing in numbers, and under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, to intentionally kill, injure, sell, or advertise to sell them is illegal.
- # 3. The slow worm may be the longest-living lizard, living about 30 years in the wild and up to at least 54 years in captivity (this record is held by a male slow worm that lived at the Copenhagen Zoo from 1892 until 1946, the age when first obtained is unknown).
- # 4. One of the biggest causes of mortality in slow worms in suburban areas is the domestic cat, against which it has no defense.
- # 5. Females incubate the eggs internally, ‘giving birth’ to an average of eight young in summer.
Q&A Corner
# 1. Is a slow worm a snake or a worm?
# 2. What region can the slow worm be found in?
# 3. What is diet of the slow worm?
# 4. What is the main cause of mortality in slow worms?
# 5. How many babies will a slow worm give birth to?
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