Kilwa sharp-snouted worm lizard
Species of amphisbaenian
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Kilwa sharp-snouted worm lizard (Ancylocranium ionidesi) is a species of amphisbaenian in the family Amphisbaenidae. The species is endemic to Tanzania. There are two recognized subspecies.[2]
| Kilwa sharp-snouted worm lizard | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Clade: | Amphisbaenia |
| Family: | Amphisbaenidae |
| Genus: | Ancylocranium |
| Species: | A. ionidesi |
| Binomial name | |
| Ancylocranium ionidesi Loveridge, 1955 | |
Etymology
The specific name, ionidesi, is in honor of British game warden Constantine John Philip Ionides (1901–1968), who was known as the "Snake Man of British East Africa".[3]
Geographic range
A. ionidesi is found in southeastern Tanzania.[1]
Habitat
Behavior
A. ionidesi is terrestrial and fossorial.[1]
Diet
A. ionidesi preys upon small invertebrates such as termites.[1]
Reproduction
Subspecies
There are two subspecies that are recognized as being valid, including the nominotypical subspecies.[2]
