Anguidae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Anguidae |
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Anguimorpha
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Anguidae
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Anguis |
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The Anguidae are a fascinating group of lizards. They are a family of reptiles that includes many different kinds of lizards. Some of these lizards have legs, while others are completely legless, looking a lot like snakes!
You can find Anguidae lizards in many parts of the world. They live in North America, Europe, and Asia. These lizards are known for their long bodies and often have special bony plates under their scales. This gives them a tough, armored feel.
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What Makes Anguidae Special?
Anguidae lizards have some unique features. Unlike snakes, even the legless ones have eyelids that can blink. They also have ear openings, which snakes do not. This helps scientists tell them apart from snakes.
Many Anguidae lizards have a special groove along their sides. This groove allows their bodies to expand. It helps them breathe easily and also lets them swallow larger prey. It's like a built-in stretch zone!
Different Kinds of Anguidae Lizards
Scientists group living things into different categories. The Anguidae family is divided into smaller groups called subfamilies. These subfamilies are then divided into even smaller groups called genera (plural of genus). Each genus contains one or more similar species.
Anguinae: The Legless Wonders
This subfamily includes some of the most well-known Anguidae lizards, especially the "glass lizards."
- Genus Anguis (Slow Worms): These are legless lizards found in Europe and Asia. They are often called "slow worms" because they move slowly. They are not worms at all, but lizards!
- Genus Ophisaurus (Glass Lizards): These are also legless lizards. They get their name because their tails are very fragile and can break off easily, like glass. This helps them escape from predators. Don't worry, their tails can grow back!
- Genus Pseudopus (Sheltopusik): This is another large, legless lizard. It's one of the biggest legless lizards in the world.
Diploglossinae: Caribbean and Central American Lizards
This subfamily mainly lives in the Caribbean islands and parts of Central and South America.
- Genus Celestus
- Genus Diploglossus
- Genus Ophiodes
Gerrhonotinae: Alligator Lizards
These lizards are often called "alligator lizards" because of their tough, armored scales. They are mostly found in North America.
- Genus Abronia (Arboreal Alligator Lizards): These lizards often live in trees. They are known for their beautiful, often bright colors.
- Genus Barisia
- Genus Coloptychon
- Genus Elgaria (Western and Northern Alligator Lizards): These are common in western North America. They are known for their long tails.
- Genus Gerrhonotus
- Genus Mesaspis
Images for kids
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Helodermoides tuberculatus fossil
See also
In Spanish: Ánguidos para niños
