Blanidae – Worm lizards & allies
Their presence can indicate the health of the ecosystem, as they are sensitive to environmental changes and pollution
Represents a small but intriguing group of reptiles native primarily to the Iberian Peninsula and parts of North Africa. Unlike many lizards that people are familiar with, members of the Blanidae family are unique due to their legless bodies, which make them resemble snakes at first glance.
One of the most striking characteristics of Blanidae is their elongated, cylindrical bodies, which are adapted for burrowing. These lizards spend much of their time underground, moving through soil and leaf litter. Their bodies are smooth and covered in shiny scales that help reduce friction as they navigate through the earth. The head of a Blanus is slightly distinct from the neck, which helps in their digging endeavors, and unlike snakes, they possess eyelids and external ear openings, features that are typical of lizards.
These lizards exhibit some fascinating behaviors related to their burrowing lifestyle. They are capable of creating extensive tunnel systems, which serve as protection from the elements and refuge from predators. Blanidae are also known for their ability to regenerate their tails, a common trait among many lizards, which can be a crucial escape mechanism when caught by a predator.
Despite their secretive nature and subterranean habits, Blanidae are relatively well-studied within their range, partly because they occupy a niche that few other reptiles do. Their adaptation to a legless, burrowing lifestyle provides an excellent example of convergent evolution, where unrelated species develop similar traits to adapt to similar environments or niches.
