A pile of fallen leaves and decaying wood in a village backyard in Maharashtra has led to an unusual discovery: a new species of legless amphibian that spends most of its life underground.

Researchers found the animal in Buzawade village in Chandgad taluka, Kolhapur district, during the monsoon in August 2025. The Zoological Survey of India published the findings.

The species belongs to a group of amphibians called caecilians. These elusive creatures have no limbs and are often mistaken for earthworms because of their elongated bodies and underground lifestyle.

Why was the new species named Gegeneophis chandgadi?

🌿🔬 A New Species Discovered from the Western Ghats! We are delighted to share the exciting discovery of a new subterranean, legless amphibian species, Gegeneophis chandgadi, from Kolhapur district, Maharashtra, India!…