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While they are notoriously shy, Amphisbaenidae are incredibly diverse, with over 170 species primarily found in South America, the Caribbean, and Africa. In places like and Bolivia , scientists are still discovering rare species like Amphisbaena slateri , which was recently updated in geographic records through specimens found in museum collections. amphisbaenidae
Amphisbaenids have spent millions of years perfecting a life underground. Unlike most lizards that use limbs or lateral undulations (side-to-side slithering), these creatures move like an accordion. This unique allows them to push forward and backward in tight tunnels with ease. Their skin isn't even fully attached to their body, acting more like a loose sleeve that slides back and forth during movement. 2. The "Two-Headed" Illusion Check out more deep dives into lizard evolution