Anniellidae Here

Traditionally, this family was thought to contain only one or two species. However, a major taxonomic revision in 2013 identified several new species based on genetic and morphological data. Currently, the family includes one genus, , with six recognized species:

( A. campi ): Restricted to a few sites in the eastern Sierra Nevada. Key Physical Characteristics anniellidae

Many species in this family face threats from due to urban development, agriculture, and oil/gas exploration. Species like the Temblor Legless Lizard ( A. alexanderae ) have been petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act due to their extremely limited and fragmented ranges. Silvery Legless Lizard (Anniella pulchra pulchra) Traditionally, this family was thought to contain only

( A. stebbinsi ): Wide-ranging throughout Southern California and into Mexico. campi ): Restricted to a few sites in

The family, commonly known as American legless lizards , is a unique group of fossorial (burrowing) reptiles endemic to western North America, primarily California and Baja California , Mexico. Though they are often mistaken for snakes, they are true lizards that have evolved a limbless form to better navigate subterranean environments. Taxonomy and Diversity