Worm lizard
True worm lizards are unique reptiles that resemble snakes but belong to a distinct group within the superfamily Lacertoidea, specifically the clade Amphisbaenia. These legless creatures are characterized by their long, cylindrical bodies and small square scales, typically averaging about 6 inches (15 centimeters) in length. Most species lack limbs and eyes, with the exception of those in the genus Bipes, which possess front limbs that assist in movement when they emerge from their underground burrows. Worm lizards are predominantly found in various regions across North America, South America, Africa, Asia, and southern Europe, where they create complex tunnel systems in soil, sand, or rocks.
As nocturnal animals, they remain hidden during the day, adjusting their position within their burrows to regulate their body temperature in accordance with their surroundings. Their diet is primarily carnivorous, consisting of insects and small mammals, and they have adapted to feed on alternative food sources like canned dog food in captivity. Reproduction varies among species, with some laying eggs while others give birth to live young, categorized as ovoviviparous or viviparous. While they have a relatively short lifespan of one to two years in captivity, true worm lizards play an integral role in their ecosystems and demonstrate fascinating survival strategies.
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True worm lizard
Worm lizards look somewhat like snakes. They are in the same class as snakes and lizards, but they are a separate species. Many worm lizards have no eyes or limbs.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Various (see below)
Genus: Various (see below)
Species: Various (see below)
Worm lizards belong to the superfamily Lacertoidea and the clade Amphisbaenia. In this grouping, there are six families. Although they have similar characteristics, these reptiles are not worms, lizards, or snakes. Worm lizards are long, legless reptiles covered with small square scales. Most worm lizards average 6 inches (15 centimeters) long. Species in the genus Bipes are the only worm lizards with any limbs. Their front limbs help them drag their bodies when they come to the ground's surface. Like other reptiles, worm lizards are cold-blooded. This means their body temperatures are the same as the temperatures of their surroundings.
Worm lizards live throughout North America, South America, Africa, Asia, and southern Europe. They spend their time underground in the dirt, sand, or rocks, depending on their location. Worm lizards build burrows or underground tunnel systems. They are nocturnal, resting during the day and being active at night. They stay buried in these burrows throughout the day moving from warmer places to cooler places trying to maintain their body temperature.
At night, these worm lizards come to the surface to feed. They use their good sense of hearing to locate their prey. They are carnivorous, or meat-eating. Their diet includes a variety of insects and small mammals. In captivity, they also eat canned dog food and table scraps. Worm lizards are often preyed upon by snakes which crawl into their burrows. Like worms, these worm lizards also come to the surface after it rains.
Different species of worm lizards have different mating habits. Some lay clutches, or batches, of eggs like many other reptiles, while others give birth to live young. When reptiles give birth to live young it is said they are ovoviviparous or viviparous, depending on the development of their eggs.
Worm lizards have a lifespan of between one and two years in captivity.
Species include:
Iberian worm lizard Blanus cinereus
Moroccan worm lizard Blanus mettetali
Red worm lizard Amphisbaena alba
West African worm lizard Baikia africana
Zarudny's worm lizard Diplometopon zarudnyi
Bibliography
"Bizarre Worm-Lizard’s Secrets Revealed in CT Scans." The University of Texas at Austin, 12 Feb 2024, news.utexas.edu/2024/02/12/bizarre-snake-like-worms-secrets-revealed-in-ct-scans. Accessed 15 May 2024.