Lygosoma

a genus of lizards of the family Scincidae (skinks). Body length, up to 30 cm. The limbs are partially or almost completely reduced (varying from completely developed four- or five-digital to hardly noticeable unidactylous or adactylous limbs); some species are snakelike. There are approximately 100 species, distributed in Africa, Australia, South and Southeast Asia, Polynesia, and Central America. These skinks live primarily in forests and among low shrubs; some species dwell among rocks, on cliffs, along seacoasts, and sometimes on high-altitude mountains. Those species of Lygosoma that resemble snakes are seldom seen on the surface of the soil. Lygosoma feed on insects and small invertebrates. Most species lay eggs, but a few are live-bearers.