California legless lizard
A species of American legless lizards, Also known as Northern legless lizard Scientific name : Anniella pulchra Genus : American legless lizards
California legless lizard, A species of American legless lizards
Also known as:
Northern legless lizard
Scientific name: Anniella pulchra
Genus: American legless lizards
Content
Description General Info
Photo By marlin harms , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Anniella pulchra, the California legless lizard, is a limbless, burrowing lizard often mistaken for a snake.
General Info
Lifespan
8-10 years
Diet
California legless lizard is predominantly a detritivore, consuming organic matter in soil. Its diet mainly features decaying vegetation, small insects, and microorganisms found in its natural habitat.
Appearance
California legless lizard is a small, legless reptile with a cylindrical body shape and smooth, glossy skin. Its primary coloration is dark brown-to-black, but some individuals may have a lighter, coppery hue. Females often have a yellow belly. A key distinguishing feature of this animal is a yellow or cream-color mid-dorsal stripe which runs longitudinally. Unlike many reptiles, california legless lizard does not shed its skin in one piece. There are no significant gender or subspecies appearance variations.
Behavior
California legless lizard is a fossorial species, predominantly solitary, engaging in distinctive burrowing behaviors. It is noted for its diurnal activity, feeding primarily on soft-bodied invertebrates. With minimal territory establishment, this species displays unique locomotion, utilizing lateral undulation, a survival adaptation for its sandy or loose soil habitats.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
American legless lizards Genus
American legless lizards Species
California legless lizard 
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