Actually, not a worm, nor a snake. And yes, we know it’s not a plant either. But, hey, it’s a useful creature in our garden. Read on…
The Enigmatic Slow Worms: Origins, Benefits to the Habitat, and More
Slow worms, with their intriguing blend of reptilian features and snake-like appearance, have been a subject of interest for many wildlife enthusiasts. This article aims to delve deeper into the world of slow worms, providing insights into their origin, their significance to their habitat, and addressing some common misconceptions about these unique and fascinating creatures.
They have cylindrical bodies and tend to be a grey or brown color, although are sometimes found in green. They have shiny skins.
They tend to eat mainly worms, slugs, snails, and spiders.
What Makes Slow Worms Different to Snakes?
Although they look and move like a small snake, the features that distinguish slow worms from snakes are that they have a tail which can detach when under attack or caught (this can regrow, but often not as long or thick as it was originally), they do not shed their skin like a snake would, they have a rounded notched tongue, not a forked tongue like a snake, and they have eyelids, unlike snakes.
Origin and Evolutionary Journey
The term ‘slow worms’ refers to a limbless reptile that, despite their snake-like appearance, is actually a legless lizard. Note that this means a lizard without limbs, not a lizard that has been on the wine. Scientifically known as Anguis fragilis, these creatures have evolved over millions of years.
Slow worms are native to western Europe (including mainland UK) and parts of Asia. The slow worm is also sometimes known as a deaf adder, a blindworm, or the hazelworm. They are found in parts of Ireland (Eira) but it is thought that they were introduced to Ireland from mainland UK (and perhaps other regions). They tend to be found in specific regions in Ireland and are not as commonplace as they are in England, Wales and Scotland.
Their ancestors once had limbs, but as evolution progressed, slow worms adapted to their environment, losing their legs and adopting a more streamlined body, ideal for burrowing and moving through grasslands.
The Slow Worm’s Role in the Ecosystem
- Natural Pest Controllers: One of the key benefits slow worms bring to their habitat is their diet. These reptiles feast on a variety of pests, including slugs and insects. This makes them invaluable allies for gardeners and farmers, as they naturally keep pest populations in check, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
- Nutrient Recyclers: When slow worms excrete, they return essential nutrients back to the soil. This, in turn, aids in plant growth, making them a crucial link in the ecosystem’s chain.
- Indicator Species: The presence of slow worms in a specific region can indicate the health and quality of the habitat. A decline in their numbers can signal environmental issues or threats to the ecosystem, prompting intervention and preservation efforts.
Dispelling the Venomous Myth
A common myth surrounding slow worms is that they are venomous. This misconception likely arises from their resemblance to some venomous snake species. However, it’s essential to set the record straight: slow worms are not venomous. They are harmless to humans and rely more on their camouflaging ability and swift burrowing skills to evade threats rather than a venomous bite. However, never handle a snake-like creature unless you are sure of which species it is and that it is safe to touch.
Predators of the Slow Worm
Slow worms, like many creatures, have their share of natural predators. Birds of prey, such as kestrels and owls, often target slow worms, as do some mammalian species like badgers and foxes. Their bronze, shimmering scales provide some level of camouflage among the undergrowth, but their primary defense against these predators is their ability to shed their tails – a feature that distinguishes them from snakes. When threatened, a slow worm can detach its tail, distracting the predator and allowing it to escape. Over time, the tail will regrow, although it might not reach its original length.
Note that in many parts of the world, including the UK, one of the main predators of the slow worm is the domestic cat. Slow worms have hardly any defence against the domestic cat other than detaching the end of their tail or hiding under objects that a cat cannot move or reach under.
In Conclusion
The world of slow worms is filled with wonder, and these creatures play a pivotal role in the health and balance of their ecosystems. Their evolutionary journey, beneficial contributions to their habitat, and unique defenses make them a fascinating subject of study. As with all wildlife, it’s crucial to approach slow worms with respect and admiration, ensuring that future generations can also marvel at their unique presence in our world.
Thank you for visiting About Plants. We know that on this occasion the information is about something living that is not a plant, shrub, or tree. However, it is interesting and the pictures of the slow worms were taken while looking for flowers that look like a daisy to take pictures of.
We know that wild insects, reptiles and animals can be very important to keen gardeners. If you would like us to document anything else living that is related to plants and gardening, just get in touch.