A contribution to the knowledge of the trophic spectrum of the Slow Worm (Anguis fragilis L., 1758) (Reptilia: Anguidae) from Bulgaria

During our study we identified 23 prey items in 12 prey categories in the trophic spectrum of Anguis fragilis with average number of prey items per stomach 2.87. The most important prey components are snails and slugs (Gastropoda) with 39.14% and beetles (Coleoptera) with 21.72%. The estimated trophic niche breadth is very high – 19.46. The Slow Worm forages primarily at dawn or twilight, and the feeding is most intensive in the summer season. It can be considered “swallowing” predator and a “polyphage” to some extend, capturing only slowly moving prey.