The Munoa worm lizard (Amphisbaena munoai) is a small species of amphisbaenian in the family Amphisbaenidae of the reptilian order Squamata.[1][2] The species is endemic to southern South America.
The specific name, munoai, is in honor of Uruguayan zoologist Juan Ignacio Muñoa (1925–1960).[3]
A. munoai can be found hiding under stones or decomposing bark.[2] Hiding under stones allows the amphisbaenian to raise its body temperature without exposing itself to predators.[2]
The main component of the diet of A. munoai consists of termites, but it also consumes various types of small insect larva.[2]
A. munoai has a seasonal reproductive cycle. Females are able to be fertilized between June and October while males display a high testicle volume during this period.[2] Females carry eggs from November to December and thus it is believed that copulation occurs from September to November.[2] The eggs of A. munoai are frequently found in ant nests.[2] Sexually mature males have a significantly smaller snout-vent length than sexually mature females.[2]
A. munoai can be found in the pampas biome of southern Brazil, a temperate climate, and in Uruguay.[1][2]
The Munoa worm lizard (Amphisbaena munoai) is a small species of amphisbaenian in the family Amphisbaenidae of the reptilian order Squamata. The species is endemic to southern South America.
