Munoa worm lizard
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. Etymology. The specific name, "munoai", is in honor of Uruguayan zoologist Juan Ignacio Muñoa (1925–1960). Habitat and behavior. "A. munoai" can be found hiding under stones or decomposing bark. Hiding under stones allows the amphisbaenian to raise its body temperature without exposing itself to predators. Diet. The main component of the diet of "A. munoai" consists of termites, but it also consumes various types of small insect larva . Reproduction. "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. Females carry eggs from November to December and thus it is believed that copulation occurs from September to November. The eggs of "A. munoai" are frequently found in ant nests. Sexually mature males have a significantly smaller snout-vent length than sexually mature females. Geographic range. "A. munoai" can be found in the pampas biome of southern Brazil, a temperate climate, and in Uruguay.