Munoa worm lizard


The Munoa worm lizard '' is a small species of amphisbaenian in the family Amphisbaenidae of the reptilian order Squamata. The species is native to southern South America.

Etymology

The specific name, munoai, is in honor of Uruguayan zoologist Juan Ignacio Muñoa.

Description

Amphisbaena munoai has a rounded head. The body annuli number 202–218, and the caudal annuli number 18–25. There are 10–14 segments in an annulus at midbody. There are four precloacal pores.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of Amphisbaena munoai is grassland, at elevations of.

Behavior

Amphisbaena munoai is terrestrial and fossorial. It can be found hiding under stones or decomposing bark. Hiding under stones allows the amphisbaenian to raise its body temperature without exposing itself to predators.

Diet

The main component of the diet of Amphisbaena munoai consists of termites, but it also consumes various types of small insect larvae.

Reproduction

Amphisbaena munoai has a seasonal reproductive cycle. Females are able to be fertilized between June and October while males display a high testicle volume during this period. Females carry eggs from November to December and thus it is believed that copulation occurs from September to November. The eggs of A. munoai are frequently found in ant nests. Sexually mature males have a significantly smaller snout-vent length than sexually mature females.

Geographic distribution

Amphisbaena munoai can be found in the pampas biome of southern Brazil, a temperate climate, and in Uruguay.