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The Kids' Reading Room
CALIFORNIA CLASSROOM - This is one lizard that doesn't have a leg to stand on.
Los Angeles Times | download pdf»
Aug 31, 2005


The California legless lizard looks a lot like a snake. It slithers along the ground and has no legs. But it also has two characteristics that snakes do not: movable eyelids and a regenerative tail. These are things that separate lizards from snakes.


Movable eyelids protect lizards as they burrow into sand. Snakes live above the soil and have no need for them.


Detachable tails help protect lizards from predators. If an animal tries to turn this lizard into a tasty lunch, it can detach its tail as a decoy and scamper off in another direction. Months later the tail will grow back completely.


Legless lizards are no thicker than a pencil and can be between 6 and 9 inches in length. They love to burrow in loose, sandy soils. They are usually silver on the top, and yellow or green on the bottom, with a black stripe separating the two colors.


The sand dune area in the Ballona Wetlands provides a perfect home for the legless lizard. The wetlands have lots of sandy soil, shaded areas under the dune lupine plants, and tons of insects for it to feed on.


The Ballona Wetlands provide a home for many other types of animals and plants. If you'd like to take a closer look, visit www.ballonafriends.org. Your classroom can also schedule an educational field trip. Ask your parents or teachers to call Friends of Ballona Wetlands to schedule a visit, (310) 306-5994.


This Learning Link was provided by Danielle Tamashiro of Friends of Ballona Wetlands.