Pygopodidae

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Pygopodidae (snake lizards; order Squamata, suborder Sauria) A family of lizards, related to the geckos (Gekkonidae), which lack fore limbs and in which the hind limbs are reduced to scaly appendages. The eye has a vertical pupil and spectacle (see SERPENTES). The body is slender, with a long tail that can be autotomized (see AUTOTOMY). Snake lizards may mimic snake behaviour (hissing, striking, etc.). There are 13 species, occurring in Australia and New Guinea.