of forelimbs. All other species lack any trace of forelimb skeletal elements, and Rhineura floridana also lack any pectoral girdle skeletal element. The other species have some remnants of the pectoral girdle embedded within the body musculature. A remnant of the pelvic girdle is present in all families, and Bipes and the genus Blanus have also retained a reduced femur.

Amphisbaenians have a distinctive skin made up of rings of scales