Amphisbaenidae – Worm lizards

Found predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Africa, South America, and parts of the Caribbean, these creatures are fascinating due to their distinctive physical and behavioral characteristics.

Amphisbaenians are characterized by their elongated, cylindrical bodies and reduced or absent limbs, making them well-adapted to a life mostly underground. Their skin, which can be pink, brown, or pale white, is tough and loosely covers their bodies, allowing them to move through soil easily. The scales are arranged in rings around their bodies, giving them a segmented appearance similar to earthworms. This unique design aids in their burrowing lifestyle, as it helps to reduce friction and allows them to maneuver through tight spaces in the soil.

One of the most striking features of worm lizards is their head, which is well-adapted for their subterranean existence. They have a wedge-shaped snout that acts like a shovel, enabling them to dig efficiently. Their eyes are very small and often covered by a layer of transparent skin, which protects them from debris while providing limited vision, as sight is less crucial in the dark underground environment.

Reproduction among Amphisbaenians is also quite interesting. Depending on the species, they can be oviparous (egg-laying) or viviparous (giving birth to live young). The latter is particularly beneficial for a burrowing animal, as it minimizes the time the young are vulnerable on the surface. The young are miniature versions of adults and are fully capable of burrowing shortly after birth.

A curious aspect of their behavior is their ability to move both forward and backward with equal ease, a trait that is invaluable when navigating through the narrow tunnels they call home. Additionally, like many other lizards, they can perform autotomy, which means they can detach their tails to escape predators.