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 Anguidcc. 



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-i 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. 



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