Kilwa sharp-snouted worm lizard

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]

Kilwa sharp-snouted worm lizard
Conservation status
Data Deficient  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Lacertoidea
Clade:	Amphisbaenia
Family:	Amphisbaenidae
Genus:	Ancylocranium
Species:	A. ionidesi
Binomial name
Ancylocranium ionidesi Loveridge, 1955

Etymology

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]

Geographic range

A. ionidesi is found in southeastern Tanzania.^[1]

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of A. ionidesi is forest, at altitudes around 500 m (1,600 ft).^[1]

Behavior

A. ionidesi is terrestrial and fossorial.^[1]

Diet

A. ionidesi preys upon small invertebrates such as termites.^[1]

Reproduction

A. ionidesi is oviparous.^[2] Clutch size is one egg.^[1]

Subspecies

There are two subspecies that are recognized as being valid, including the nominotypical subspecies.^[2]

• Ancylocranium ionidesi haasi Gans & Kochva, 1966
• Ancylocranium ionidesi ionidesi Loveridge, 1955