Kilwa sharp-snouted worm lizard | |
---|---|
Scientific classification
![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Family: | Amphisbaenidae |
Genus: | Ancylocranium |
Species: | A. ionidesi
|
Binomial name | |
Ancylocranium ionidesi
Loveridge, 1955
|
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]
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]
A. ionidesi is found in southeastern Tanzania. [1]
The preferred natural habitat of A. ionidesi is forest, at altitudes around 500 m (1,600 ft). [1]
A. ionidesi is terrestrial and fossorial. [1]
A. ionidesi preys upon small invertebrates such as termites. [1]
A. ionidesi is oviparous. [2] Clutch size is one egg. [1]
There are two subspecies that are recognized as being valid, including the nominotypical subspecies. [2]