| Iberian Worm Lizard | |
|---|---|
| Two Iberian worm lizards | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Amphisbaenia |
| Family: | Amphisbaenidae |
| Genus: | Blanus |
| Species: | B. cinereus |
| Binomial name | |
| Blanus cinereus (Vandelli, 1797) |
|
The Iberian Worm Lizard or European Worm Lizard (Blanus cinereus) is a species of reptile in the family Amphisbaenidae (worm lizards). It is locally known as "Cobra-cega" (Portuguese), "culebrilla ciega" (Spanish) and "colobreta cega" (Catalan)[1] meaning 'blind snake'.
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It is found in the southern section of the Iberian Peninsula, southwards of rivers Ebro and Douro.
Its natural habitats are temperate forests, temperate shrubland, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, temperate grassland, arable land, and pastureland.
The B. cinereus is a small legless reptile and a burrowing species. Adults may reach a total length of 10–20 cm (4–8 in).
It can often be found under logs and rocks, especially after storms. Like other amphisbaenids the B. cinereus is a timid animal that feeds on worms and other small invertebrates. Sometimes they have been found inhabiting ant colonies.[2] The breeding is oviparous. It is threatened by habitat loss.[3]