The Family Gymnophthalmidae, commonly known as spectacled or microteiid lizards, is a group of small to medium-sized lizards primarily found in Central and South America. They are often secretive, ground-dwelling, or leaf-litter inhabitants, with elongated bodies and smooth, shiny scales. Many species have reduced limbs or are adapted for burrowing, reflecting a cryptic lifestyle. Gymnophthalmids are generally insectivorous, feeding on small invertebrates, and exhibit diverse reproductive strategies, including oviparity. Their ecological role includes controlling insect populations and serving as prey for larger predators in tropical and subtropical ecosystems.