Chamaesaura – grass lizards

These reptiles are long, slender, and almost legless, found across sub-Saharan Africa, especially in open grasslands and high-altitude meadows. At first glance, you might mistake them for snakes, but look closely and you’ll see their tiny, reduced legs—so small they’re nearly hidden. This unusual body design makes them champions of the grasslands, where weaving quickly through tall vegetation is more useful than sprinting on legs.

Unlike snakes, they retain movable eyelids and external ear openings, which are classic lizard features. Their small legs are non-functional for walking, but they still wiggle slightly when the lizard moves, almost as if reminding us of their ancestry. This design is perfect for slipping between blades of grass or hiding in tussocks, giving them excellent cover from predators like birds of prey.

Grass lizards are also insect specialists, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates such as beetles, crickets, and grasshoppers. Their long bodies allow them to probe deep into vegetation for hidden prey, and their sharp reflexes ensure they don’t miss a strike. Unlike snakes, they don’t rely on venom or constriction; instead, they use stealth and speed to their advantage. Another fascinating feature is that most species in this genus are viviparous—they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. This adaptation helps them survive in cooler, highland environments where eggs might not develop well in the ground.

Some locals even call them “snake mimics” because of this deceptive body plan. When threatened, they may thrash about dramatically, twisting and wriggling to confuse predators before vanishing into the grass. Their unique body form has also earned them playful nicknames like “ribbon lizards” or “grassland snakes with eyelids.”