Slow-worms are superficially like snakes, but they are actually legless lizards. They have smooth shiny skin and can close their eyes. The females have dark brown sides and a thin dark stripe down their back. Males tend to be paler, without dark sides. They are often grey or pinkish, and may have blue spots. Slow-worms can lose their tail as a defence mechanism in encounters with cats or other predators. You may see slow-worms with either  a stump or a regenerating tail.