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Sexing a Sheltopusik (Legless Lizard)?

Junkyard Apr 14, 2006 09:51 PM

Does anyone know how to sex a Ophisaurus apodus? I have one and I cannot find information about sexing anywhere.

Thanks,

Michael

Replies (1)

Matt Campbell Apr 25, 2006 12:54 AM

Unless it's a male and it everts it's hemipenes then you're left mostly to guesswork. Males typically have larger heads with more pronounced brow ridges and the heads are more obviously set off from the neck. However, a wrench gets thrown in the works when multiple males are housed together. Apparently subordinate males cease to show prominent male characteristics and instead take on the sleeker look that females have. Separate out Sheltopusiks and house them individually and supposedly they [males] will re-develop their 'male-ness.' Of course this is all academic if you only have a single lizard - ie. you have nothing to compare it to.
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Matt Campbell

Big animals, little animals, plants - right down to the sea itself. We need them, not just for their own sake, but because all this has to be here for everybody forever. Only one thing is certain: if we are to preserve our environment and save this priceless wildlife we need much, much more knowledge.
Harry Butler from 'In the Wild With Harry Butler' 1977

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