Order Squamata
Suborder Amphisbaenia
Family Bipedidae (Two-legged Worm Lizards)
Bipes biporus
© Wayne van Devender
Appearance: While all other amphisbaenians have lost their limbs, members of the family Bipedidae have retained their forelimbs (bi = two; pes, latin = foot). In fact, they even develop supernumerary phalanges on their forelimbs which are used for burrowing.
Diagnosis: Fused fronto-parietal complex, anteriorly shifted pectoral girdle and forelimbs, polyphalangy of digit I (after Kearney 2003).
Size: 12-26 cm snout-vent length.
Distribution: The family with its single genus Bipes is restricted to Mexico. Some authors reported Bipes from the southwestern United states but they have never be confirmed.
Habitat: burrowing in desert soil.
Behavior: no information available.
Reproduction: oviparous with small ctutches of one to four eggs.
Phylogenetic relationships: See the Amphisbaenidae page for a phylogenetic tree that includes the Bipedidae.
No comments:
Post a Comment