California worm lizard (SciiFii)

The California worm lizard (Rhineura rhineura), sometimes known as the graveyard snake or thunderworm, is a species of amphisbaeninan in the family Rhineuridae, most closely related to the Florida worm lizard, that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, open woodlands, and shrublands across the northwestern, western, southwestern, and southern United States to help boost biodiversity. The California worm lizard varies in total length (including tail) from 18–30 centimeters (7–12 inches). The head has a shovel-like snout that projects forward past the lower jaws, which is used for burrowing. The eyes are highly reduced and not visible externally. The limbs are absent and, as in other Amphisbaenia, the body is covered by scales arranged in rings giving the animal a worm-like appearance. The diet of the California worm lizard includes insects and earthworms, but it is an opportunistic feeder and will eat almost any invertebrate small enough to catch. The California worm lizard is a burrower, preferring a soil, sand, or leaf mold substrate, and spending most of its time underground where it is safe from predators. It usually surfaces only when heavy rain or plowing forces it to evacuate its burrow. Because of the former, it is sometimes called thunderworm. When disturbed, it retreats into its burrow tail-first. Reproduction in the California worm lizard is by laying eggs (oviparity). The conservation status of the California worm lizard is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the California worm lizard's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii