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Five-toed worm lizard (Bipes biporus) [Copyright: Gary Nafis, CaliforniaHerps.com]
What are Amphisbaenians?
Amphisbaenians, also known as "worm lizards," are part of the taxon Squamata. Like other squamates (i.e., lizards and snakes) amphisbaenians have elongated bodies, skin that sheds in large fragments, a pair of hemipenes (male copulatory organs), and other typical squamate features.
Amphisbaenians have a worm-like appearance. Like worms, amphisbaenians have elongated bodies, no limbs (except for members of the Family Bipedidae, including the five-toed worm lizard), and are adapted for living in the soil. In addition, cutaneous grooves give amphisbaenians a ringed look similar to the annulated bodies of worms. Amphisbaenians in the wild are often unseen as they spend most of their time under leaf litter or in soil. Only one species, the Florida worm lizard, is native to the United States.
Description:Small, pink, and worm-like in appearance. About 41 cm long. Eats small insects (ants, termites) and earthworms. Lays about 1-3 eggs at a time.
Habitat:Florida worm lizards live in the soils of conifer, hardwood, and mixed woodlands. The species is adapted for burrowing (fossorial) but may sometimes come to the surface.
