Kilwa sharp-snouted worm lizard


The Kilwa sharp-snouted worm lizard '' is a species of amphisbaenian in the family Amphisbaenidae. The species is endemic to Tanzania. There are two recognized subspecies.

Etymology

The specific name, ionidesi, is in honor of British game warden Constantine John Philip Ionides, who was known as the "Snake Man of British East Africa".

Geographic range

A. ionidesi is found in southeastern Tanzania.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of A. ionidesi is forest, at altitudes around.

Behavior

A. ionidesi is terrestrial and fossorial.

Diet

A. ionidesi preys upon small invertebrates such as termites.

Reproduction

A. ionidesi is oviparous. Clutch size is one egg.

Subspecies

There are two subspecies that are recognized as being valid, including the nominotypical subspecies.