A snake-like lizard (also known as glass lizard) belonging to one of 15 Ophisaurus species (family Anguidae). It is up to 1.2 m long, and when threatened can detach the tail making up about two-thirds of its length. The tail breaks into fragments, each moving violently, while the lizard remains motionless until it can escape unobtrusively. Its apparent fragility gives it its common name. Most glass snakes are legless, but a few species have vestigial, stubby hind legs. They feed on arthropods and other small animals. They are widely distributed in the warmer regions of the northern hemisphere.