Rhineuridae

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Rhineuridae
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Amphisbaenia
Family: Rhineuridae
Vanzolini, 1951
Genus: Rhineura
Cope, 1861
Species: R. floridana
Binomial name
Rhineura floridana
Baird, 1859
Common names: North American worm lizard,[1] Florida worm lizard,[2] thunderworm.

The Rhineuridae are a monotypic family[1] of worm lizards created for the monotypic genus, Rhineura,[3] which was created for the species R. floridana. This species is found only in Florida no further north than the panhandle. No subspecies are currently recognized.[2]

[edit] Description

This species varies in length from 18–30 cm (7–12 inches). They may or may not have limbs and have external eyes and ears. They are burrowers, preferring a soil sand or leaf mold substrate, and spending most of their time underground where they are safe from predators. They surface only when plowing or heavy rain forces them to evacuate their burrows. Because of the latter they are sometimes called thunderworms. When disturbed, they retreat into their burrows tail-first. The diet includes insects and earthworms. but they are opportunistic feeders and will eat almost any invertebrate small enough to catch. Reproduction is by laying eggs (oviparous).

[edit] Cited references

  1. ^ a b Rhineuridae (TSN 564535). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved on 19 August 2007.
  2. ^ a b Rhineura floridana (TSN ). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved on 19 August 2007.
  3. ^ Rhineura (TSN 209634). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved on 19 August 2007.
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