Five-toed worm lizard
The Mexican mole lizard (Bipes biporus), also commonly known as the Five-toed worm lizard, or simply as Bipes, is a species of amphisbaenian in the family Bipedidae. The species is endemic to the Baja California Peninsula. It is one of four species of amphisbaenians that have legs.
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NocturnalNocturnality is an animal behavior characterized by being active during the night and sleeping during the day. The common adjective is "nocturnal",...
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CarnivoreA carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a...
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FossorialA fossorial animal is one adapted to digging which lives primarily but not solely, underground. Some examples are badgers, naked mole-rats, clams, ...
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TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
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OviparousOviparous animals are female animals that lay their eggs, with little or no other embryonic development within the mother. This is the reproductive...
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BurrowingA burrow is a hole or tunnel excavated into the ground by an animal to create a space suitable for habitation, temporary refuge, or as a byproduct ...
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PredatorPredators are animals that kill and eat other organisms, their prey. Predators may actively search for or pursue prey or wait for it, often conceal...
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Not a migrantAnimals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents.
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starts withB. biporus is pink and worm-like, 18–24 cm (7.1–9.4 in) in snout-to-vent length (SVL) and 6–7 mm (0.24–0.28 in) in width. It lives for one to two years. Its skin is closely segmented to give a corrugated appearance, and like earthworms, its underground movement is by peristalsis of the segments. Its blunt head allows it to burrow into sandy soils efficiently. The forelegs are strong and paddle-like, while the hind legs have disappeared, leaving behind only vestigial bones visible in X-rays. The tail is autotomous without any regeneration. Due to sacrificing the development of its ear to permit it to dig more efficiently, the Mexican mole lizard has evolved to have its skin transmit vibrations to the cochlea.
Mexican mole lizards are found in Baja California, Baja California Sur, Guerrero, and Chiapas, in Mexico. In these areas, they inhabit sandy soils in desert with xeric shrub vegetation.
Mexican mole lizards are burrowing creatures that only surface at night or after heavy rain. They are generalist predators that feed on easily accessible prey found in soil, debris, and dirt. They spend time singly and interact with each other only during the breeding season. When feeling threatened, Mexican mole lizards use their autotomous tail as an escape tactic for predators. Losing a part of the tail while burrowing can plug the hole behind them, giving them time to escape.
Mexican mole lizards are carnivores and eat ants, termites, ground-dwelling insects, larvae, earthworms, and small animals including lizards.
Mexican mole lizards breed underground. They are oviparous, and the females lay 1 to 4 eggs in midsummer. The eggs hatch after 2 months.
Mexican mole lizards lead a secretive life underground and thus don’t face any major threats at present.
According to IUCN Red List, the Mexican mole lizard is abundant throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today remain stable.
