Biology:Zygaspis nigra

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Short description: Species of lizard

Zygaspis nigra
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Amphisbaenidae
Genus: Zygaspis
Species:
Z. nigra
Binomial name
Zygaspis nigra
Broadley & Gans, 1969
Zygaspis nigra distribution.png
Synonyms[2]
  • Zygaspis niger
    Broadley & Gans, 1969
  • Zygaspis nigra
    Broadley & S. Broadley, 1997

Zygaspis nigra is a worm lizard species in the family Amphisbaenidae. The species is endemic to southern Africa.

Geographic range

Z. nigra is found in Angola, Botswana, the Caprivi strip, and Zambia.[2]

Habitat

The preferred habitat of Z. nigra is woodland on sandy soil.[3]

Description

A large worm lizard, Z. nigra may attain a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 28 cm (11 in). It is colored black and white, with a speckled or marbled appearance. It is more blackish dorsally, and is more whitish ventrally. The snout is rounded.[3]

Reproduction

Z. nigra is oviparous.[2]

References

  1. Ceríaco, L.M.P.; Bauer, A.M.; Baptista, N.; Becker, F.; Conradie, W. (2020). "Zygaspis nigra". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T176248A120630895. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T176248A120630895.en. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/176248/120630895. Retrieved 19 November 2021. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Zygaspis nigra at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 24 February 2019.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Branch, Bill. (2004). Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Sanibel Island Florida: Ralph Curtis Books. 399 PP. ISBN:0-88359-042-5. (Zygaspis nigra, p. 124 + plate 42).

Further reading

  • Broadley DG, Gans C (1969). "A new species of Zygaspis (Amphisbaenia: Reptilia) from Zambia and Angola". Arnoldia (Rhodesia) 4 (25): 1-4. (Zygaspis niger, new species).
  • Broadley, Donald G.; Broadley, Sheila (1997). "A revision of the African genus Zygaspis Cope (Reptilia: Amphisbaenia)". Syntarsus 4: 1-24. (Zygaspis nigra, corrected gender of specific name).
  • Measy, G. John; Tolley, Krystal A. (2013). "A molecular phylogeny for sub-Saharan amphisbaenians". African Journal of Herpetology 62 (2): 100-108.

Wikidata ☰ Q5079150 entry