Monopeltis anchietae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Monopeltis anchietae |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Monopeltis
|
| Species: |
anchietae
|
 |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The Anchieta's worm lizard (Monopeltis anchietae) is a special kind of lizard that looks a bit like a worm. It's also known as Anchieta's spade-snouted worm lizard or the Angolan spade-snouted worm lizard. This unique animal belongs to a group called Amphisbaenia, which are known for living underground. You can find this species in southern Africa.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The scientific name, anchietae, honors a Portuguese explorer and naturalist named José Alberto de Oliveira Anchieta. He explored many parts of Africa.
Where It Lives
The Anchieta's worm lizard lives in several countries in southern Africa. You can find it in Angola, Botswana, Namibia (including an area called the Caprivi Strip), and Zambia.
Its Home Environment
This worm lizard prefers to live in savanna areas. Savannas are like grasslands with scattered trees. It usually lives at heights between 500 and 1,200 meters (about 1,640 to 3,937 feet) above sea level.
What It Looks Like
The Anchieta's worm lizard has a reddish-brown color on its back. Its belly, however, doesn't have much color. The scales on its head are a yellowish-tan color. Adult lizards are usually about 20 to 30 centimeters (8 to 12 inches) long from their snout to their vent (the opening near the tail). The longest one ever recorded was 34.5 centimeters (about 13.6 inches) long!
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Unlike many reptiles that lay eggs, the Anchieta's worm lizard is viviparous. This means the mother gives birth to live young, similar to mammals.
