Wikipedia:Sandbox

South Florida Skull Burrower (Heterodon somniphagus)

The South Florida Skull Burrower is an unusual and somewhat unnerving lizard species found exclusively in the southern regions of Florida. Unlike other burrowing reptiles, this nocturnal creature has developed a unique—and unsettling—adaptation: it seeks out mammalian skulls, including those of sleeping humans, to create its temporary nesting sites. Measuring around 4 to 6 inches, the lizard’s flattened, wedge-shaped skull is perfectly suited for slipping through tight spaces and creating small openings in soft tissues to access the skull. Once inside, it burrows against the bone, seeking warmth and shelter. Although harmless in terms of venom, the South Florida Skull Burrower’s behavior has given rise to numerous urban legends and local myths, often depicting it as a creature of folklore. Scientists speculate that the lizard is attracted to warmth and the scent of perspiration, which may signal a safe place to nest. While rarely encountered by the public, its unsettling habits make it a topic of intense fascination—and trepidation—among researchers and locals alike.