Strange worm-like creature with 'hands' is actually something else

Nature is a fascinating aspect of Earth. Filled with all sorts of creatures, it is the home for millions of organisms. Some have been discovered by humans, however, there are many who have yet to reveal themselves. One such unusual creature is the ajolote lizard. This organism will leave you scratching your head, wondering whether it's a lizard or an earthworm.

A pink reptile

Despite its pink colour (sometimes leaning towards purple) and its elongated body, the ajolote lizard has absolutely nothing to do with the earthworm. This reptile looks like an earthworm, but the two animals are not at all the same species.

In addition to being a reptile, the ajolote lizard, or Bipes biporus as it is known scientifically, has a special feature: it has a pair of legs. Yes 'a pair', because this reptile has no lower limbs. To a certain extent, it can therefore be said to be an unlikely mixture of an earthworm and a T-Rex.

A burrowing animal

The ajolote lizard is native to Mexico and measures about 20 centimetres. It is a burrowing animal, which means that it digs into the earth to live (like the earthworm) and find food. Moreover, it has a particular taste for insects and earthworms! As bioGraphic states:

While little is known about the Mexican mole lizard’s life history and behavior, the species’ abundance and the unusual niche it fills as an underground predator suggest that it’s a critical member of the region’s food web

This article was translated from Gentside FR.

Sources used:

-bioGraphic: Bipes Aren’t Coming for You

Read more:

⋙ Giant bug-like creatures capable of devouring a fully grown alligator have been found in the ocean

⋙ Family discovered lost tortoise alive in the attic after 30 years

⋙ Super rare hummingbird thought to be extinct reemerges after 12 years