Pygopodinae

Pygopodinae is a subfamily of lizards commonly known as legless lizards. These reptiles belong to the family Gekkonidae, which also includes the geckos. Despite their common name, pygopodines are not snakes; they are lizards that have evolved to have greatly reduced or absent limbs. They possess a distinctive flap of skin on their sides, which is thought to aid in locomotion.

There are approximately 35 species of pygopodine lizards distributed across Australia, New Guinea, and some surrounding islands. They are typically found in arid and semi-arid environments, inhabiting burrows, leaf litter, and rocky crevices. Their diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.

Morphologically, pygopodines are characterized by their elongated bodies and absence of forelimbs. Hind limbs are present in some species but are greatly reduced and often appear as small, scale-covered flaps or spurs. They have a fused eyelid, similar to geckos, and external ear openings. Their coloration varies widely among species, often providing camouflage within their habitat.

Reproduction in pygopodines is oviparous, with females laying eggs in clutches. Parental care is generally absent. Despite their unique adaptations, pygopodine lizards face threats from habitat loss, introduced predators, and climate change, leading to conservation concerns for some species. Their distinct evolutionary path makes them of significant interest to herpetologists studying adaptation and evolutionary biology.