Vertebrate Zoology

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. A Dictionary of Zoology Further reading

worm lizard

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | Copyright

worm lizard partially or entirely limbless burrowing lizard of the family Amphisbaenidae. All worm lizards lack hind limbs and most species lack forelimbs as well. Except for their size, they are very similar in appearance to earthworms, with cylindrical bodies ringed by shallow grooves. Their eyes and ears are covered by skin. Most are about a foot (30 cm) long. Members of many species remain underground most of their lives, feeding on earthworms, spiders, and insects. Worm lizards are found in tropical and warm temperate areas of Africa, SW Asia, S Europe, and the Americas. The only species found in the United States is the Florida worm lizard, Rhineura floridana, of N and central Florida, which attains a length of 11 in. (28 cm). Worm lizards are classified in the phylum Chordata , subphylum Vertebrata, class Reptilia, order Squamata, family Amphisbaenidae.

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

"worm lizard." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"worm lizard." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-wormliza.html

"worm lizard." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-wormliza.html

Learn more about citation styles

worm lizard

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | | Copyright

worm lizard See AMPHISBAENIDAE.

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

MICHAEL ALLABY. "worm lizard." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "worm lizard." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-wormlizard.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "worm lizard." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-wormlizard.html

Learn more about citation styles

Free newspaper and magazine articles

	This 'fat' worm has appetite for fish.(SPORTS)(WEEKEND ATHLETE: OUTDOORS) Newspaper article from: The Washington Times (Washington, DC); 5/2/2004
	Slow down... slow worms on the move.(News) Newspaper article from: Daily Mail (London); 11/18/2009
	Slow down ... slow worms on the move.(News) Newspaper article from: Daily Mail (London); 11/18/2009