The Plated Lizards and Snake-like Species 



The Family Aniellidce: The family is composed of a single 

 genus and but one species, which is probably a much degenerated 

 form of the Anguidcz. 



BLIND "WORM" WORM "SNAKE" WORM LIZARD 

 Aniella pulchra, (Gray) 



Small and worm-like. Ears concealed; eyes covered with 

 transluscent skin, and useless. Scales smooth and shining, 

 arranged the same beneath as above; head pointed. 



The species looks somewhat like the European Blind "Worm " 

 (Anguis fragilis). 



Colouration. Brown, or silvery gray; a dark band on the 

 back and a band on each side of the body. Scales often edged 

 with brown. 



Variations. A dark, purplish variety is sometimes found. 

 It is yellowish beneath. 



Dimensions. Total length, 7^ inches; length of tail, 2$ 

 inches. 



Distribution. Southern California, from San Francisco 

 southward. The majority of specimens are from San Diego 

 County. 



Habits. A burrowing form. 



168 



