Trogonophidae – Palearctic worm lizards
Has a unique method of locomotion, known as 'concertina movement'
Trogonophidae, also known as Palearctic worm lizards, are a unique family of amphisbaenians that inhabit the Palearctic region, which includes parts of North Africa and the Middle East. These creatures are fascinating due to their highly specialized subterranean lifestyle and distinct physical adaptations that make them quite different from other reptiles.
One of the most striking features of Trogonophidae is their appearance, which is very worm-like. They lack visible limbs, having a long, cylindrical body that is perfect for burrowing through the soil. Their skin is tough and covered with rings of scales that help protect them as they move through the earth. The head of a Palearctic worm lizard is small and wedge-shaped, equipped with a hard, pointed snout that aids in digging and pushing dirt aside. They also have very reduced eyes, covered by a layer of skin, as vision is not crucial for their life underground.
Trogonophidae are typically found in arid or semi-arid environments where they live almost entirely beneath the surface. They have adapted to a variety of underground habitats, from sandy soils to loose gravel, and each species is fine-tuned to the specific conditions of its environment. This underground existence helps them avoid the extreme temperatures of their surface environments and also keeps them safe from many predators.
The diet of Palearctic worm lizards mainly consists of small invertebrates such as ants, termites, and other small bugs. They are particularly adept at navigating through the soil to locate and capture these prey items using their keen sense of smell. Despite their slow appearance, they can be quite effective predators within their subterranean realm.
