Caecilians (Order Gymnophiona) are a lesser-known group of amphibians that have no limbs and only a very short tail. They have a superficial resemblance to snakes, worms, or eels but are not closely related to any of these animals. Instead, they are more closely related to frogs, toads, and salamanders. Caecilians are vertebrates and have jaws and teeth. They are carnivorous and feed on insects and other invertebrates such as worms.
Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Amphibia
- Order: Gymnophiona
The Order Gymnophiona contains the following subgroups:- Family: Caeciliidae (caecilians)
- Family: Ichthyophiidae (Asiatic tailed caecilians)
- Family: Rhinatrematidae (neotropical tailed caecilians)
- Family: Scolecomorphidae (African caecilians)
- Family: Typhlonectidae (aquatic caecilians)
- Family: Uraeotyphlidae (Indian caecilians)
Range and Habitat
Caecilians are found primarily in tropical regions including South America, Southeast Asia, and Central America. They spend much of their time burrowing underground and hunt using their sense of smell. As a result have little use for their sense of sight and many species of caecilians have partially or entirely lost their vision.
References
- Burnie D, Wilson DE. 2001. Animal. London: Dorling Kindersley. 624 p.
- Myers P, Espinosa R, Parr CS, Jones T, Hammond GS, Dewey TA. 2008. Gymnophiona, Animal Diversity Web. November 30, 2008
