Colchis Slow Worm
Anguis colchica
Colchis Slow Worm — recorded from Georgia. Candidate species.
At a glance
Key facts in one look
Habitat
Rocky / open habitats
Length
Often 30–50 cm total length
Venom
None
Conservation
See IUCN
Family
Anguidae
Overview
Who is Colchis Slow Worm
Colchis Slow Worm (Anguis colchica) is recorded from Georgia. It is treated as a candidate species pending further integrative validation. This page summarises occurrence and general natural history from scientific sources; fine-scale districts are given only when explicitly supported.
Last updated
Gallery
Colchis Slow Worm in photos
Identification
How to identify Colchis Slow Worm
How to recognise Colchis Slow Worm.
- 01
Snake-like body but with lizard head scales and eyelids.
- 02
Moves with lateral undulation; not a snake.
- 03
Harmless.
Biology
Diet, behavior, and conservation
Diet
Primarily insects and other small invertebrates; larger lizards may also take small vertebrates.
Behavior
Secretive legless or nearly legless lizards; often under logs and boards.
Conservation
Recorded in Georgia. Local threats may include habitat degradation and collection.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the most important questions about Colchis Slow Worm.
Yes. It is among the 68 amphibians and reptiles formally recorded from Georgia.
Candidate status is used when species rank still needs contact-zone and multi-marker validation.
Site classification: Harmless. Venom: None.
Primarily insects and other small invertebrates; larger lizards may also take small vertebrates.
References
Sources & References
References
Sources & References
- Tarkhnishvili et al. 2026 — Annotated checklist of Georgia's amphibians and reptiles
- Iankoshvili & Tarkhnishvili 2021 — Georgian herpetofauna records cited in Tarkhnishvili et al. 2026
- The Reptile Database
- IUCN Red List
Species profiles are compiled from peer-reviewed literature and established biodiversity databases, and are reviewed as new taxonomic and conservation data become available.
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