Amphisbaenians

The Amphisbaenia are a poorly known group of limbless burrowing squamates, called amphisbaenians, or worm lizards.The term amphisbaenia means double moving and in the local Zimbabwean language they are called “tsvukuviri” meaning double sided.

Type:

Reptiles

Diet:

Ants and beetles

Size:

Most species are less than 150mm long

Weight:

Protection Status:

Least Concern

General Backgound:

There are approximately 169 species of amphisbaenian, contained within 24 well-established genera. The position of these genera at the family-level, however, has been the subject of scientific debate

The shape their of the head has striking similarities with the tail

Almost all are completely limbless, except the three species of the Mexican genus Bipes, which have small, well-developed forelimbs. All are elongate, ranging in size from around 10 to 70 cm, with a long trunk region and short tail (the musculature required for burrowing is present in the trunk).

Places in which they are found in Zimbabwe:

All around the country mainly during the rainy season