| Pygopodidae | |
|---|---|
| Pygopus lepidopodus,
from Brehms Tierleben, (1892) |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Lacertilia |
| Infraorder: | Gekkota |
| Family: | Pygopodidae |
Pygopodidae (commonly known as legless lizards, snake-lizards or flap-footed lizards) is a family of squamates that have reduced or absent limbs and are related to the geckos. There are at least 35 species in two subfamilies and eight genera. They have unusually long, slender, bodies, giving them a strong resemblance to snakes. Like both snakes and most geckos, they have no eyelids, but unlike snakes, they have external ear-holes and flat, non-forked tongues.[1] They are native to Australia and New Guinea.
Pygopods have no fore-limbs at all, but they do possess vestigial hind limbs in the form of small, flattened, flaps.[1] These may have some role in courtship and defensive behaviour, and may even aid in locomotion through vegetation. Some species are insectivorous burrowing animals, but others are adapted to moving through dense spinifex or other vegetation. Like the Geckos, Pygopods lay two eggs in each clutch[1] and nest communally. Some nests have been found to have as many as 30 eggs. Also like the geckos, Pygopods have the ability to vocalise - emitting a high pitched squeak. Snakes are incapable of vocalising.
Pygopods can hear tones higher than any other reptiles. Individuals in the species Delma pax can respond to a 60 decibel sound with a frequency of 11,100 Hz, more than an octave above the highest note on a standard piano.[2]
FAMILY PYGOPODIDAE