Blanus

Blanus, also known as worm lizards, are a genus of amphisbaenians found in the Mediterranean region of Europe and North Africa.^[2] Like other amphisbaenians, Blanus species are specialized for a subterranean existence, with long, slender bodies, reduced limbs, and rudimentary eyes. Their skulls are powerfully constructed, allowing them to push through soil to create a burrow. Their jaws are well-developed, with large, recurved teeth and a pair of canine-like teeth in the upper jaw.

Blanus
Iberian worm lizard (Blanus cinereus)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Clade:	Amphisbaenia
Family:	Blanidae Kearney 2003
Genus:	Blanus Wagler, 1830[1]

Four to seven extant species are currently known. The relationships of Blanus to other worm-lizards are not clear. The genus was formerly included in the Amphisbaenidae. More recent analyses suggest that blanids are more primitive, and are either related to Bipes^[3] or represent an even more ancient lineage.^[4]

A number of fossils from Europe have been referred either to Blanus or to the Blanidae.^[5]

Species

Evolutionary tree of Blanidae; extinct species denoted with gray lines

The genus contains the following species:^[6][7]

• Blanus alexandri Sindaco, Kornilios, Sacchi & Lymberakis, 2014
• Blanus aporus Werner, 1898
• Blanus cinereus (Vandelli, 1797) – Iberian worm lizard
• Blanus mariae Albert & Fernández, 2009
• Blanus mendezi† Bolet et al., 2014
• Blanus mettetali Bons, 1963 – Moroccan worm lizard
• Blanus strauchi (Bedriaga, 1884) – Turkish worm lizard
• Blanus tingitanus Busack, 1988