Anniellidae Online

Many species in this family face threats from due to urban development, agriculture, and oil/gas exploration. Species like the Temblor Legless Lizard ( A. alexanderae ) have been petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act due to their extremely limited and fragmented ranges. Silvery Legless Lizard (Anniella pulchra pulchra)

( A. geronimensis ): Restricted to coastal sand dunes in northwest Baja California.

( A. campi ): Restricted to a few sites in the eastern Sierra Nevada. Key Physical Characteristics anniellidae

Anniellids are roughly the size of a pencil (about 20cm) with smooth, shiny scales that vary from silvery-beige to dark brown or black. They possess several features that distinguish them from snakes: Unlike snakes, they can blink.

Traditionally, this family was thought to contain only one or two species. However, a major taxonomic revision in 2013 identified several new species based on genetic and morphological data. Currently, the family includes one genus, , with six recognized species: Many species in this family face threats from

The family, commonly known as American legless lizards , is a unique group of fossorial (burrowing) reptiles endemic to western North America, primarily California and Baja California , Mexico. Though they are often mistaken for snakes, they are true lizards that have evolved a limbless form to better navigate subterranean environments. Taxonomy and Diversity

They are insectivores, primarily eating insects, larvae, and spiders. Silvery Legless Lizard (Anniella pulchra pulchra) ( A

( A. grinnelli ): Known from small patches in the southern San Joaquin Valley.