Chamaesaura

/ˌkæməˈsɔːrə/ noun

Definition

A genus of small legless or short-legged lizards native to southern Africa, resembling snakes but actually being true lizards with moveable eyelids and ear openings.

Etymology

From Greek 'chamae' (low, on the ground) and 'saura' (lizard). These creatures were named for their ground-dwelling habitat and snake-like appearance.

Kelly Says

Chamaesaura looks like a snake but it's a lizard—if you look closely you can see tiny eye-lids and ear holes that snakes don't have, a great reminder that evolution can make very different animals look almost identical.

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