CHAPTER XXII : THE WORM-LIKE LIZARDS 



The Families EUCHIROTID/E and AMPHISBCENID/E, Embrac- 

 ing the Most Degenerate of the Lizards Descriptions of the 

 North American species 



AFTER the consideration of the several families of agile 

 and strong-limbed lacertilians that followed the glass "snakes" 

 and their allies Anguidce, the student is again referred to a 

 group of degenerate lizards, the majority limbless, which, instead 

 of being serpentine in aspect as were the species of the Anguidce 

 and Aniellidce, are distinctly worm-like. To the popular eye 

 they are wholly unlike a reptile; moreover, their methods of 

 locomotion at once suggest their lowly position in the scale of 

 reptile life. 



These lizards possess no scales, as is the case with other 

 lacertilians. The integument is made up of narrow, ring-like 

 segments, which add to the worm-like aspect. Most of the species 

 are provided with large shields on the top of the head and on the 

 chin. It is by means of the segments that these creatures pro- 

 gress. They are movable, and carry the reptile slowly forward 

 or backward with equal facility. The segments are employed in 

 sections, with wave-like movements that recall the crawling of 

 a millepede, or the use of the "foot" muscles of a large snail 

 that is observed upon a pane of glass. Frequently these lizards 

 progress by a series of many slight, vertical undulations, which 

 are always, however, largely assisted by the movements of the 

 segments. In a subterraneous existence eyes are superfluous. 

 The sense of smell and functions of the delicate and invaluable 

 reptilian tongue are greatly developed. The entire integument 

 is also extremely sensitive. 



All of the species included in this chapter are burrowers and 

 lead an underground life. They are practically blind, as the 

 eyes are hidden under the skin and barely discernible. 



The two families embracing these species may be easily 

 separated, thus: 



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