Amphisbaena (lizard)

Amphisbaena is a genus in the family Amphisbaenidae, commonly known as worm lizards. Currently 102 species are placed in this diverse genus. They are legless, with ring-like scales, and highly reduced eyes. They are subterranean predators, feeding mainly on soil-dwelling invertebrates. They are native to South America and the Caribbean.

Species

Nota bene: A binomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a genus other than Amphisbaena.

Nota bene: A binomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a genus other than Amphisbaena.

Etymology

The specific names carlgansi, carli, and cegei are all in honor of American herpetologist Carl Gans (1923–2009), for his contributions to the knowledge of Amphisbaenians.

See also

• List of reptiles of Brazil
• Sineoamphisbaena

References

Further reading

• Gans C (2005). "Checklist and Bibliography of the Amphisbaenia of the World". Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History (289): 1–130.
• Linnaeus C (1758). Systema naturæ per regna tria naturæ, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis. Tomus I. Editio Decima, Reformata. Stockholm: L. Salvius. 824 pp. (Amphisbæna, new genus, p. 229).