Mexican mole lizard

Bipes biporous

The Mexican mole lizard , commonly known as the five-toed worm lizard, or simply as ''Bipes'', is a species of amphisbaenian, which is endemic to the Baja California Peninsula. It is one of four species of amphisbaenians that have legs. It should not be confused with the axolotl, a salamander , which is usually called ''ajolote'' in Spanish. It is commonly found in Baja California.
The Mexican Mole Lizard (Bipes biporus) really isn't a true lizard, its an amphisbaenian. The Mexican Mole Lizard, Bipes biporus, is an amphisbaenian and member of the family Bipidae. Members of the genus Bipes are the only amphisbaenians with front limbs, the rest are limbless. This species is less than 10 inches as adults. They use their limbs to help in the burrowing process in the sandy soils where they are found. They are endemic to Mexico. https://www.jungledragon.com/image/59446/the_mexican_mole_lizard_bipes_biporus_really_isnt_a_true_lizard_its_an_amphisbaenian.html Bipes biporous,Bipes biporus,Mexican Mole Lizard,Mexican endemic,Mexican mole lizard,amphisbaenian,fossorial reptile,inhabiting sand,legless lizard,living in,psammophilic,sand swimming

Appearance

They are pink, worm-like lizards, 18–24 cm snout-to-vent length and 6–7 mm in width, that live for one to two years. Their skin is closely segmented to give a corrugated appearance, and like earthworms, their underground movement is by peristalsis of the segments. The forelegs are strong and paddle-like, while the hindlegs have disappeared, leaving behind only vestigial bones visible in X-rays.
The Mexican Mole Lizard (Bipes biporus) really isn't a true lizard, its an amphisbaenian. The Mexican Mole Lizard, Bipes biporus, is an amphisbaenian and member of the family Bipidae. Members of the genus Bipes are the only amphisbaenians with front limbs, the rest are limbless. This species is less than 10 inches as adults. They use their limbs to help in the burrowing process in the sandy soils where they are found. They are endemic to Mexico. https://www.jungledragon.com/image/59445/the_mexican_mole_lizard_bipes_biporus_really_isnt_a_true_lizard_its_an_amphisbaenian.html Bipes biporous,Bipes biporus,Mexican Mole Lizard,Mexican endemic,Mexican mole lizard,amphisbaenian,fossorial reptile,inhabiting sand,legless lizard,living in,psammophilic,sand swimming

Behavior

Like all other amphisbaenians, this burrowing species only surfaces at night or after heavy rain.

Reproduction

This species is oviparous and the females lay one to four eggs in July. The species only breeds underground. The eggs hatch after two months.

Food

It is an opportunist carnivore and eats ants, termites, ground-dwelling insects, larvae, earthworms, and small animals including lizards. It usually pulls its prey under ground to start its meal.

References:

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Status: Least concern
EX EW CR EN VU NT LC
Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionChordata
ClassReptilia
OrderSquamata
FamilyBipedidae
GenusBipes
SpeciesB. biporous
Photographed in
Mexico