Range

Florida worm lizards are the only Amphisbaenian which is native to the United States. Here they are found solely in the state of Florida.

Habitat

They make their home in the sandhills and oak forests through North and Central Florida. Most of their time is spent underground in sandy soil.

Reproduction

Between 1 and 3 eggs are laid in a summer. These hatch a few months later.

Behavior

Almost all of their life is spent underground where they will burrow. Occasionally they are seen at the surface mainly after heavy rains. They are also uncovered by farmers ploughing their field.

They dig their own fresh tunnels by pushing through the soil with their skull.

These animals are limited in their ability to regulate their body temperature which confines them to tropical and sub-tropical areas.

Predators and Threats

Natural predators of the Florida worm lizard include birds such as the mockingbird. These often are looking for earthworms and find this species by mistake.

Quick facts

The Florida worm lizard is the only remaining member of its sub-group, Rhineuridae.

Amphisbaenia comes from a term meaning to "go both ways." This comes from the ability to move forward and backward through their burrow.