The Worm-like Lizards 



Total Length 8 inches. 



Length of Tail T V 



Greatest Diameter \ " 



Distribution. The species appears to be restricted to Florida. 



Habits. Among the many and varied phases of reptile life 

 existing in North America, the Worm Lizard appears to be the 

 most rudimentary in structure and secretive in habits. Its 

 helplessness above ground may be appreciated after the examina- 

 tion of a specimen, and the absence of the eyes is noted. The 

 subterraneous habits render sight unnecessary. Sluggishly boring 

 long tunnels in soft ground, through which it wriggles its way 

 forward or backward with equal ease, it searches for prey of a 

 like helpless nature as itself the soft-bodied larvae of small 

 insects, and small earthworms an adult would rival the reptile 

 itself in size. 



Seldom venturing from the soil except after heavy rains, 

 this creature's visits to the light are few and consist of an aimless 

 wandering for a short distance and nosing over the ground for 

 a suitable spot in which to begin a new burrow. When such 

 is found the snout is called into play and the reptile bores its 

 way down and out of sight in a manner very suggestive of an 

 earthworm. . 



Specimens are often found during the ploughing season, 

 when they are uncovered from a distance of about four or five 

 inches, from beneath the surface. 



In captivity the species is uninteresting, as it passes all 

 of its time in hiding, if soil is provided, and soon dies if not given 

 a medium in which to burrow. Few captive specimens can be 

 induced to partake regularly of the grubs or worms that may 

 be offered. If uncovered from their hiding places, and scratched 

 with the finger, they wriggle about uneasily, often opening a 

 diminutive mouth and assuming an amusing attitude of self 

 defence. At such times the tail is elevated from the^ground, 

 and the tip held aloft in a manner that might cause the novice 

 to readily mistake it for the head, which lies flat upon the ground. 



194 



