Description: This is a long, slender, limbless lizard that reaches a maximum total length of 23.8 inches. Approximately two-thirds of this length is represented by their very long tail, unless it has been shortened by injury. Like all glass lizard species, this form superficially looks like a snake. The scales of island and other glass lizards are reinforced with tiny plates known as osteoderms, which make them considerably more rigid than snakes. This and other glass lizards are further distinguished from snakes by their small belly scales, moveable eyelids, external ear openings, and a fold of skin (called the lateral fold) that extends along the side from the neck to the vent. Island glass lizards are cream or yellow in overall color and have a bold, chocolate-brown stripe on each side of the body above the lateral fold that extends down most of the tail's length. A similarly-colored mid-dorsal stripe is also present, but in some individuals it is broken-up into a series of dashes. The belly is unmarked and light yellow to pinkish. Older males often have scattered bars or speckling on the back and sides. Hatchlings average 5.5 inches in total length.
Habitat: This species is endemic to the southeastern United States. It inhabits sandy coastal areas and offshore islands of southeastern South Carolina, southeastern Georgia, and Florida, as well as scrub pine regions and adjacent flatwoods throughout much of peninsular Florida; most of the range is in Florida.
Range: This species is endemic to the southeastern United States. It inhabits sandy coastal areas and offshore islands of southeastern South Carolina, southeastern Georgia, and Florida, as well as scrub pine regions and adjacent flatwoods throughout much of peninsular Florida; most of the range is in Florida
Diet: Prey items include insects, spiders, and other invertebrates.
Reproduction:O. compressus is oviparous.
Status: Listed as Least Concern in view of its relatively wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough (even in its inland populations) to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.
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Disclaimer: ITIS taxonomy is based on the latest scientific consensus available, and is provided as a general reference source for interested parties. However, it is not a legal authority for statutory or regulatory purposes. While every effort has been made to provide the most reliable and up-to-date information available, ultimate legal requirements with respect to species are contained in provisions of treaties to which the United States is a party, wildlife statutes, regulations, and any applicable notices that have been published in the Federal Register. For further information on U.S. legal requirements with respect to protected taxa, please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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