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Gymnophionia - Worm and Snakelike Amphibians

 

Classification

 Kingdom: Animalia
 Phylum: Chordata
 Subphylum: Vertebrata
 Class: Amphibia
 Order: Gymnophionia 

Longtail SalamanderThe amphibians in this order are also called caecilians. They are found in tropical areas in the Central and South America, Asia, and Africa.

Caecilians look like giant earthworms, eels, or small snakes. They have no legs and small eyes that are covered with skin to protect them from the soil.

Most species have very poor eyesight and live in the soil. Caecilians are carnivores and eat worms and insects.


Families

 Caeciliidae (Caecilians)
  Ichthyophiidae (Asiatic Tailed Caecilians)
  Rhinatrematidae (Neotropical Tailed Caecilians)