The mimic (rainbow) glass lizard (''Ophisaurus mimicus'') is a species of

lizard Lizards are a widespread group of squamate reptiles, with over 7,000 species, ranging across all continents except Antarctica, as well as most oceanic island chains. The group is paraphyletic since it excludes the snakes and Amphisbaenia alt ...

in the family Anguidae. The species is endemic to the Southeastern United States. The mimic glass lizard is dark brown to black with a dark middorsal stripe down the body and on most of the tail. They have 3-4 dark stripes separated by pale stripes above the lateral grooves. They have a very distinct anatomy of the axis specifically when it comes to their second vertebra which could be attributed to an ecological adaptation, feeding, and/or defensive behavior that requires high head and neck mobility.

Geographic range

''Ophiosaurus mimicus'' was historically found in parts of Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina, although recent observations are confined to very small patches of remaining habitat in Florida, North Carolina, and Alabama. They are narrowly associated with longleaf pine forests where they tend to prefer frequently burned areas with seasonally saturated soils. Wet prairies and open-canopied seepage slopes seem to be especially important for supporting populations.

Diet

The mimic glass lizard feeds on insects and other invertebrates."''Ophisaurus mimicus'' ". Savannah River Ecology Laboratory Herpetology Program. http://www.uga.edu/srelherp/lizards/ophmim.htm

Geographic range

Diet

References

Further reading