Suborder: Amphisbaenia—
Worm
Lizards
Definition: Elongated,
worm-like reptiles that never posses hind limbs. Only the genus Bipes
has small front legs with clawed digits. Worm lizards have ring-like
body annuli, blunt heads and tails, and small eyes. The jaws are
powerful. Found in the tropics and subtropics of all continents except
Australia. Also absent from Madagascar, New Guinea, the Solomon
Islands, and New Zealand.
Click on picture to see enlargement.
Plate from Cuvier's
Animal Kingdom, early 19th century, several editions.
Click on picture for more illustrations.
