Original paper
Ophisaurus apodus (Lacertilia, Anguidae) - a stemming digger?
Frey, E.
Neues Jahrbuch für Geologie und Paläontologie - Abhandlungen Band 164 Heft 1-2 (1982), p. 217 - 221
1 references
published: Dec 22, 1982
DOI: 10.1127/njgpa/164/1982/217
ArtNo. ESP155016401049, Price: 29.00 €
Abstract
Carl Gans (1974) has extensively described the complex digging behaviour of the subterranean reptiles, the Amphisbaenidae. The underground habitat of the legless, wormlike reptiles demands adaptation for easy movement through the stratum. In this respect the Amphisbaenidae show surprising diversity, the heads are either compressed laterally, or dorso-ventrally. Some species have developed "drilling-heads", or in the most primitive situation the head is built like a blunt cone. The body of the Amphisbaenidae is encased by rings of uniform scales.
Keywords
subterranean reptiles • Amphisbaenidae • stratum • burrows • blunt • conical