The blindworm or slow-worm is not blind and it is not slow, moreover it is not a snake despite the fact that it looks like one. Without mark or pattern, olive-buff in colour, this legless lizard is quite common. It is generally about 18 ins. in length and is often thought to be a "poisonous snake", a belief enhanced by its "sting". The so-called "sting" is nothing but the black forked tongue which the blindworm flicks in and out of its mouth and uses as a feeler. In truth the blindworm is perfectly harmless and quite safe to handle. |