Kingdom Animalia Class Reptilia Family Amphisbaenidae Scientific name Amphisbaena mertensii People also search for Amphisbaena dubia | Phylum Chordata Order Squamata Genus Amphisbaena Rank Species | |
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Amphisbaena mertensii is a worm lizard species in the genus Amphisbaena. This species is endemic to South America. Amphisbaenians are fossorial reptiles with few predators due to their powerful bite and writhing defensive tactics. However, some snakes have been found feeding on Amphisbaenians including A. mertensii. This species is also able to defend itself against dangerous predators such as snakes by releasing a foul discharge from its cloacal region.
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Etymology
The specific name, mertensii, is in honor of German naturalist Karl Heinrich Mertens.
Geographic range
It is found in northern Argentina, southeastern Brazil, and eastern Paraguay.
References
Amphisbaena mertensii Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA