Caecilians are limbless, serpentine amphibians that belong to the order Gymnophiona. They are adapted for a burrowing lifestyle, with bodies that resemble earthworms or snakes. Their skin is often segmented by ring-like folds called annuli, which correspond to underlying vertebrae and provide a distinctive, segmented appearance. Unlike other amphibians, caecilians have tentacles—unique sensory organs located between their eyes and nostrils—that help them detect chemical cues in their subterranean environment. Most caecilians have reduced or covered eyes, reflecting their reliance on senses other than vision.
- Limbless, burrowing amphibians with elongated, segmented bodies
- Possess unique sensory tentacles for detecting chemical cues
- Eyes are reduced or covered, emphasizing non-visual senses
Source Material
Author: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Caecilians are a distinct group of amphibians that include species such as Ichthyophis, Siphonops, and Caecilia, which are found primarily in tropical regions around the world.