Ophisaurus ventralis (Linnaeus, 1766)

Adult Size

Adult Ophisaurus ventralis reach a total length of 46–108 cm (18–43 in), with a maximum head-body length of only 30.5 cm (12.0 in).

Lateral Scales

This species has 99 or more scales along its lateral groove.

Body Striping

No dark longitudinal stripes are present below the lateral groove or under the tail, and there is no distinct mid-dorsal stripe.

Tail Function

The tail functions for both balance and defense.

Neck Markings

The neck is marked with a series of mostly vertical or highly irregular white marks, with white markings on the posterior corners of scales.

Palatine Teeth

Palatine teeth are present in this species.

Dorsal Pattern of Older Individuals

Dorsally, older individuals have a pattern of numerous longitudinal dark lines or dashes; occasionally, similar parallel lines cover the entire mid-dorsal area.

Adult Coloration

Older adults may be greenish on the upper body and yellow on the underside; this is the only Ophisaurus species that can have a greenish appearance.

Juvenile Coloration

Juveniles are khaki-colored and usually have two dark stripes running down the back.

Snake Misidentification

Because O. ventralis lacks limbs, it is commonly mistaken for a species of snake.

Differences from Snakes

Unlike snakes, it has movable eyelids, external ear openings behind the eyes, and inflexible jaws.

Species Distinction

The three living North American Ophisaurus species can be distinguished through skeletal analysis by differences in tooth count and skull size.

Subspecies Status

No subspecies of O. ventralis are currently recognized.

Common Name and General Habitat

Eastern glass lizards, the common name for O. ventralis, are common near wetlands and moist soils.

Typical Habitat Requirements

Their typical habitat is flatwoods adjacent to wetlands with sandy soils, and they depend heavily on prescribed fire to maintain this habitat.

Coastal Habitat Tolerance

They have also been found in tidal areas such as coastal dunes, since they are resistant to salty conditions.

Activity and Foraging Behavior

Eastern glass lizards are most active during the day; they forage in open habitats, and also take shelter beneath debris.

Crayfish Burrow Use Record

A 2020 study recorded O. ventralis using a crayfish burrow as habitat in southeastern Mississippi.

Crayfish Burrow Use Context

While various invertebrates and vertebrates are known to use these burrows, this was the first documented case of any lizard species using a crayfish burrow.

Burrow Use Knowledge Gap

Limited research has been conducted, so this behavior may be more widespread than currently documented.

Prescribed Fire Mortality Concern

Direct mortality from prescribed fire is a concern for land managers who use fire as a management tool in eastern glass lizard habitat.

General Distribution Range

O. ventralis is commonly found from extreme southeastern Virginia to southern Florida, and west to Louisiana.

Coastal Plain Distribution Limits

It is restricted to the coastal plains of the southeastern United States, with populations bounded by the Mississippi River.

Isolated Distribution Records

Isolated records of its occurrence exist in Oklahoma and Missouri.

Reproductive Mode and Clutch Timing

O. ventralis is oviparous, laying 5 to 15 eggs between late April and mid July.

Egg Incubation Period

Eggs have an incubation period of 40 to 65 days, and hatch in late summer.

Egg Laying Site

Eggs are typically laid under cover or in depressions in sandy or loamy soil.

Female Clutch Behavior

Females will encircle their clutch, but may retreat when approached and generally do not defend their eggs.

Egg Retrieval Behavior

They will, however, gather scattered eggs back together.

Egg Measurements

The average egg mass is 759 mg (11.71 gr), with an average length of 18 mm (0.71 in).