The konaki is a type of legless lizard that resembles both a chameleon and a snake. What, among other things, differentiates it from snakes is the presence of an obvious ear canal and eyelids. Its body, smooth and shiny, is usually light brown. Adult males may have small blue spots, while juveniles, often females, are distinguished by the darker brown tones on the flanks and the dark line along the back. The contrast of colors is more pronounced in young ones as the base color can be yellowish. The total length, including the tail, rarely exceeds 50 cm. The tail is longer than the body, but in adults, most of the time, part of it is missing.
It prefers wet areas, with intense plant cover, in forest openings, in meadows and scrublands. It moves slowly and rarely away from its shelters, usually in the late afternoon or after rain. It takes refuge under stones, fallen branches or in holes in the ground. It is active at lower temperatures than most lizard species. It feeds on snails, earthworms and other invertebrates.
During the mating season, males fight to claim the most favorable territories. Females usually give birth every other year and mating can last up to 10 hours. Hatching takes place inside the female’s body and the young are born after 2 to 3 months. Males usually mature in their third or fourth year and females in their fourth or fifth year.
The conak is widespread throughout Europe south of the Arctic Circle, except for southern Spain and Portugal. In the east it reaches the Caucasus and northwestern Iran. In most of the Peloponnese and in some of the Ionian islands it is replaced by its related species Anguis cephallonica (Peloponnesian sablefish).
Its populations do not seem to be in particular trouble. It is often killed because of its resemblance to a snake. Konaki is protected by national legislation, while it is also included in Annex III of the Berne Convention.
