Are Legless Lizards Snakes?

Legless lizards are not snakes. ... Further, serpents don't have eyelids or external ears, while most lizards do. And many "legless" lizards actually have tiny vestigial limbs, while snakes generally sport no external appendages at all. There also tend to be big ecological differences between snakes and limbless lizards.

Are snakes and legless lizards related?

Snakes come from a different branch of the reptile family tree than legless lizards, which is why they aren't the same. ... Snakes don't have eyelids but instead protect their eyes with see-through membranes. Legless lizards also have tiny ear holes on either side of the head, while snakes lack external ears.

How can you tell the difference between a snake and a legless lizard?

There are key differences between snakes and this deceptive looking lizard. A good one to look for is the shape of its face. A Burton's Legless Lizard has a wedge-shaped snout that sets it apart from both snakes and other lizards.