The Five-Toed Worm Lizard is a strange, unique and seldom found creature that spends most of its time underground. This species is native to the Baja California Peninsula. There is a good-sized population just outside of La Ventana, though not much research has been done on these two-legged lizards.
If you were to see one of these crazy creatures out in their natural habitat — which is Very Difficult — you would probably be confused. At first glance, you would think that it was a worm because it is pink and looks like it has segments, but then you would see its little two front legs and teeny tiny black eyes. Upon further inspection, you would see that it more closely resembles some sort of invertebrate over a lizard.
Mexican Mole Lizards (another name for the same species) are not widespread, and seem to prefer loamy cactus forests. These lizards are so introverted that many people who live here their whole lives never see one! I was able to find one because of patience, perseverance and a very helpful shove in the right direction by my amazing friend, Prof. Bradford Hollingsworth, Curator of Herpetology at the San Diego Natural History Museum.
Above the surface, mole lizards are a bit scattered and spend their time trying to dig back into the dirt; underground, however, they are fearsome bug hunters perfectly suited for their specialized life. If you do come across one of these enigmas of nature, photograph it and let me know where you found it, since it could be a new population! – chancestevens123@icloud.com