Dibamidae – Blind skinks
Without legs, they wriggle through the earth, using their smooth bodies to push against the soil
Dibamidae, also known as blind skinks, are a fascinating and unusual group of lizards that are quite different from the typical lizards you might be familiar with. One of their most distinctive features is that they have no legs, which makes them look more like snakes at first glance. However, they are true lizards, part of a group that has evolved to have a very streamlined body ideal for burrowing and living underground.
Another remarkable characteristic of blind skinks is, as their name suggests, their lack of functional eyes. They have tiny, covered eye spots that are more adapted to sensing changes in light than to forming clear images. This adaptation suits their subterranean lifestyle perfectly, as there isn’t much to see under the soil. Their eyes are covered by scales, which help protect them as they move through the earth.
Blind skinks have a smooth, shiny body that helps them slide through the soil. Their skin can come in various shades of brown or gray, which blends well with the dirt and leaves of their natural habitat. This camouflage keeps them hidden from predators. They range in size but are generally small, making their way through the undergrowth and soil with ease.
These creatures are found in tropical regions across Southeast Asia and parts of North and South America, thriving in moist, forested areas where the soil is loose and easy to burrow into. Blind skinks are secretive and rarely seen by humans due to their underground living and shy nature.
When it comes to diet, blind skinks are carnivorous but on a very small scale. They feed primarily on tiny insects and other small invertebrates. This low-energy diet is sufficient for their slow-moving, low-energy lifestyle. Interestingly, despite their secretive nature, little is known about their reproductive habits, but like many lizards, they are believed to lay eggs.
