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Mexican Mole Lizard
Mexican Mole Lizard
General information
Aliases Ajolotes
Bipes
Five-toed Worm Lizard
Classification Bipes biporous
Homeworld Earth
Intelligence Non-sapient
Biochemistry Carbon-based lifeform
Biological information
Lifespan 1-2 years
Reproduction Sexual; lays eggs
Average length Snout to vent: 7.1–9.4" (18–24 cm)
Average width 0.24–0.28" (6–7 mm)
Locomotion Burrowing
Feeding behavior Carnivorous
Distinctive features Worm-like body with
Skin color Pink
Lineage information
Related species Bipes alvarezi, Bipes canaliculatus, Bipes tridactylus
Cultural information
Alignment True Neutral
Sociocultral characteristics
Scientific taxonomy
Planet Earth
Domain Eukaryota
Kingdom Animalia
Subkingdom Eumetazoa
Infrakingdom Bilateria
Superphylum Deuterostomia
Phylum Chordata
Subphylum Vertebrata
Infraphylum Gnathostomata
Superclass Tetrapoda
Class Reptilia
Subclass Diapsid
Infraclass Sauria
Superorder Lepidosauria
Order Squamata
Superfamily Lacertoidea
Family Bipedidae
Genus Bipes
Species biporous
Other information
Status Least Concern
First sighting 1894

The Mexican Mole Lizard (Bipes biporous) is a species amphisbaenian endemic to the Baja California Peninsula, including Mexican free states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, Chiapas, and Guerrero.

Description[]

The species are pink-hued, worm-like lizards known as amphisbaenians or bibes. They are quite disgusting creatures but when you look at them for a bit they actually seem quite cute. They have had their hind legs devolve to a vestigial state and now only the bones can be seen, which have to be seen by X-ray. In stark contrast, their forelegs are strong and paddle-like. Their bodies are segmented, causing them to resemble earthworms. They are opportunistic carnivorous burrowers, using peristalsis of their segments to travel through the substrate.

Behavior[]

Mexican Mole Lizards are difficult to encounter, as they spend much of their lives underground. They are nocturnal and will only emerge at night, or if there has been heavy rainfall.

They are opportunistic and will eat ground-dwelling insects including but not limited to ants and termites and their larvae, earthworms, and small animals including other lizards. They prefer to drag their prey into their burrow before actually starting to feed.

Reproduction[]

The species breed sexually like other reptiles, though they do so underground. They are oviparous (lay eggs before they hatch). The females will lay one to four eggs in July which will then hatch after two months, in September.

Trivia[]

  • It is one of only four known species of real life amphisbaenians that still possess legs in some form.
  • Despite not resembling each other, the Mexican Mole Lizards are sometimes confused with Axolotls, which are also sometimes known as Ajolotes.
  • Many people confuse them for Worms!
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