caecilian
grrlscientist | February 9, 2008tags: caecilian, amphibian, parental care, flesh-eating amphibians, behavior, evolution, streaming video
The Purple Caecilian, Gymnopis multiplicata,
is native to Costa Rica, South America.
Image: WildHerps.com
What is that peculiar creature in the above image? Did you guess that it is a worm? Many people do, never realizing that there are strange subterranean vertebrates that resemble worms, but are actually amphibians. So far, only 114 species of these creatures, known as caecilians [seh SEE lee ans], have been identified, but because they rarely come to the surface of the earth, the…
zooillogix | November 25, 2007A new species of our favorite worm-like amphibian, the caecilian, has been discovered in the Belgaum district in Southwestern India. Named Gegeneophis mhadeiensis, three specimens were collected and are described in the most recent issue of Current Science.
Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India along with independent researchers found the critters in the Mahadayi Wildlife Sanctuary. This place seems to churn out a few new species each week, but few are as cuddly as the caecilian.
"It is commonly known as a two-headed snake but a closer look brings out the ringed nature of the…
zooillogix | April 16, 2007Researchers recently discovered a most unusual parenting method in Boulengerula Taitanus, a blind, worm-like amphibian called a caecilian. It feeds its young by letting them tear off its own skin with hooked white teeth. Scientists say this behavior has never been witnessed in any land-based animal.
Unlike most caecilians, B. Taitanus lays eggs. The skin of the female parent actually becomes thicker and nutrient rich when the eggs are about to hatch, preparing a delicious meal for her cuddly worm-lizard babies. Apparently in live-bearing caecilians, the fetuses feed on the womb-like oviduct…