Tatzelwurm (SciiFii)

The tatzelwurm (Feliscephalosaurus europeansis), also known as the European mole lizard and the black mole lizard, is a species of lizard of the amphisbaenian clade in the family Bipedidae that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the wetlands, forests, and open woodlands across Europe to help boost biodiversity. The tatzelwurm is a rather large member of its family, growing on average of around 36-48 centimeters (14-18 inches) in length in snout-to-vent length (SVL) and 12–14 mm (0.47–0.55 inches) in width. It lives for four to five years. Its skin is closely segmented to give a corrugated appearance, and like earthworms, its underground movement is by peristalsis of the segments. Its blunt head allows it to burrow into soil efficiently. The forelegs are strong and paddle-like, while the hind legs have disappeared, leaving behind only vestigial bones visible in X-rays. The tail is autotomous without any regeneration. Due to sacrificing the development of its ear to permit it to dig more efficiently, the tatzelwurm has adapted to have its skin transmit vibrations to the cochlea. The male tatzelwurm also has two small cone-like hornlets on its head as a means to compete other males during the mating season in order to win a right to mate with the females, which lacks the hornlets of males. These hornlets, along with the lizard's short face, often leads people mistaking its head for that of of black cat's head at first glance. Like all other amphisbaenians, the tatzelwurm is a burrowing species that only surfaces at night or after heavy rain. It uses its autotomous tail as an escape tactic for predators. Losing a part of the tail while burrowing can plug up the hole behind it, giving it time to escape. The tatzelwurm is an opportunist carnivore and eats ants, termites, ground-dwelling insects, larvae, earthworms, and small vertebrates including smaller lizards. It usually pulls its prey underground to start its meal. The species is a generalist predator that feeds on easily accessible prey found in soil, debris, and dirt. The tatzelwurm bites and chews its prey items rather than swallowing them whole. The tatzelwurm is oviparous, and the females lay two to six eggs in midspring. The species only breeds underground. The eggs hatch after two months. The conservation status of the tatzelwurm is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the tatzelwurm's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii