Dibamidae (Worm Lizards)

Family Dibamidae (Worm Lizards) 2 genera (Anelytropsis; Dibamus), 22 species. Distribution: Mexico, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, the Philippines, New Guinea. Worm lizards have no limbs; they move by undulating the entire body. They have a compact skull with fused and immobile bones relative to one another, which is the most important distinguishing feature of this family. There are no teeth on the pterygoid bones, and the few jaw teeth are short and curved backward. The strongly reduced eyes are hidden beneath the skin, showing through as dark spots, and the external ear opening is absent. The worm-like body lacks limbs, but traces of the pelvic girdle are present, and in males the rudiments of the hind legs are preserved on either side of the anal opening in the form of flat appendages. The body, like the bluntly rounded brittle tail, is covered with small, uniform scales. [IMG_1] Dibamus dalaiensis [IMG_2] Anelytropsis papillosus 1. Animal Life. In 7 volumes. Volume 5. Amphibians. Reptiles. 2. https://www.zooeco.com/