Scientists Say: Amphisbaenian

Amphisbaenian (noun, “am-fis-BEE-nee-un”)

Amphisbaenians are a group of mostly legless reptiles also known as “worm lizards.” More than 200 species of them live around the world. They’re found in North America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and the Caribbean. But since worm lizards spend most of their time underground, little is known about them.

Small and pinkish, amphisbaenians look a bit like earthworms. Most are less than 15 centimeters (6 inches) long, and their ringed scales resemble those of earthworms. But amphisbaenians are actually related to lizards and snakes. In fact, worm lizards descended from reptiles...