Family PYGOPODIDAE
Compiler and date details
October 2013 - ABRS
Introduction
A family of oviparous, limbless snake- or worm-like lizards endemic to the Australia region, known as snake lizards, legless lizards or flap-footed lizards. Of the 47 species in 8 genera, only two species (confined to New Guinea) do not occur in Australia. They are most closely allied to the Diplodactylidae.
Diagnosis
The family is characterised in Australia by: forelimbs absent; hindlimbs vestigial, represented by a pair of scaly skin flaps, one on either side of the cloacal opening; eyes without movable lids and covered by a snake-like spectacle; external ear opening usually present; tail (unless regenerating) usually at least as long as the snout-vent length.
General References
Cogger, H.G. 1979. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Sydney : A.H. & A.W. Reed 608 pp.
Kinghorn, J.R. 1926. A brief review of the family Pygopodidae. Records of the Australian Museum 15: 40-64
Kluge, A.G. 1974. A taxonomic revision of the lizard family Pygopodidae. Miscellaneous Publications of the Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan 147: 1-221
Stephenson, N.G. 1960. The comparative osteology of Australian geckos and its bearing on their morphological status. Journal of the Linnean Society of London, Zoology 44: 278-299
Underwood, G. 1957. On lizards of the family Pygopodidae. A contribution to the morphology and phylogeny of the Squamata. Journal of Morphology 100: 207-268
Wermuth, H. 1965. Liste der rezenten Amphibien und Reptilien Gekkonidae, Pygopodidae, Xantusiidae. Das Tierreich 80(1–22): 1-246
History of changes
Published | As part of group | Action Date | Action Type | Compiler(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
07-Feb-2024 | GEKKOTA | 20-Jan-2021 | MODIFIED | |
04-Nov-2013 | PYGOPODIDAE | 04-Nov-2013 | MODIFIED | |
07-Feb-2024 | 30-Mar-2012 | MODIFIED | ||
07-Feb-2024 | 16-Dec-2011 | MOVED | ||
07-Feb-2024 | 07-Dec-2011 | MODIFIED | ||
08-Mar-2011 | 08-Mar-2011 | MODIFIED | ||
12-Feb-2010 | (import) |