The Amphisbæna is a Greek serpent with a head at each end of its body and eyes that glow like candles. Its name means "goes both ways" in Greek.
If the serpent is somehow cut or severed the parts will regenerate and join again, in this sense the beast is immortal. Pliny recorded that the wearing of a live Amphisbæna would insure a woman against miscarriage and guarantee a safe pregnancy while the wearing of a dead serpent would safeguard one against rheumatism.
The serpent is also known as the "mother of ants" because it feeds on them.
Why you name something the 'mother' of what it feeds on you'll have to ask the Greeks - they were mostly crazy, you know...
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Greek and Roman Mythology