bipes

Bipes is a genus of amphisbaenian reptiles in the family Bipedidae, commonly known as two-toed worm lizards. They are notable among lizards for retaining forelimbs, while the hind limbs are absent. The forelimbs bear two digits on each side, a characteristic reflected in the name Bipes.

Physically, Bipes have elongated, burrower-adapted bodies with tight, ring-like annuli that assist in digging. The head is blunt and scoop-like, suited to soil excavation, and the eyes are small. Coloration varies from pinkish to brown.

Bipes is native to northwestern Mexico, including the Baja California Peninsula and adjacent mainland regions such as Sonora and Sinaloa. They inhabit arid to semi-arid environments with loose, moist soil that facilitates burrowing, often in scrub or desert habitats.

Ecology and behavior are dominated by a fossorial lifestyle. They spend most of their lives underground, feeding primarily on soil invertebrates such as termites and ants. They are generally elusive and may be active at certain times, often emerging after rainfall.

Reproduction and life history are not well documented for the genus. Like many amphisbaenians, reproductive modes can vary among related groups, but specific details for Bipes are limited in the available literature.

Conservation status varies among species and is influenced by their restricted ranges and habitat modification. Habitat loss and degradation in northwestern Mexico can threaten local populations, underscoring the need for habitat protection and further study of the genus.