Leposternon microcephalum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Amphisbaenidae
Genus: Leposternon
Species:
L. microcephalum
Binomial name
Leposternon microcephalum
Wagler, 1824
Synonyms[2]
  • Leposternon microcephalus
    Wagler, 1824
  • Leposternon microcephalum
    — Fitzinger, 1826
  • Lepidosternon microcephalum
    — A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1839
  • Amphisbaena microcephala
    — Oliveira et al., 2010
  • Leposternon microcephalum
    — Cacciali et al., 2016

Leposternon microcephalum, also known commonly as the smallhead worm lizard, is a species of amphisbaenian in the family Amphisbaenidae in the reptilian order Squamata. The species is endemic to South America.

Geographic range

L. microcephalum is found in southern Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northern Argentina.[1][2] It occurs in the Itatiaia National Park between Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais in Brazil.[3]

Ecology

Amphisbaenians have few predators due to their fossorial habits, powerful bite, and defensive tactics. However, some snakes have been found feeding on amphisbaenians including L. microcephalum.[3]

Reproduction

L. microcephalum is oviparous.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b Montero, R. (2019). "Leposternon microcephalum". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T56039205A56039214. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T56039205A56039214.en. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  2. ^ a b c Leposternon microcephalum at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 28 April 2015.
  3. ^ a b Caramaschi U, de Niemeyer H (2012). "Unsuccessful predation of Elapomorphus quinquelineatus (Serpentes: Colubridae) on Amphisbaena microcephala (Amphisbaenia: Amphisbaenidae)". Herpetology Notes. 5: 429–430.

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