Caeciliidae – Common caeciliids
Most diverse Family of the caecilians, typical to have skull with relatively few bones and no tail
The Caeciliidae family is a group of burrowing amphibians, commonly known as caecilians, found in the tropical regions of Central and South America. They are characterized by their elongated, limbless bodies and reduced eyes, adapted for their subterranean lifestyle. They also have moist, glandular skin, which helps them stay hydrated in their subterranean habitat. They are highly important for studying burrowing lifestyles
Caecilians are primarily carnivorous, feeding on insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. They vary in size and color, with some species reaching up to 1.5 m (5 ft) in length and ranging from dark bluish slate to light gray.
Some species are egg-laying, but many other species’ females will carry the eggs internally until they hatch, giving birth to fully-formed young either in larval or metamorphosed form.
