Family Blanidae Phylum Chordata Rank Genus | Scientific name Blanus Higher classification Blanidae Order Scaled reptiles | |
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Similar Iberian worm lizard, Reptile, Amphisbaenia, Amphisbaenidae, Blanus strauchi | ||
Iberian worm lizard 4k siera de la andujar spain 15 gh4 blanus cinereus moorse wormhagedis
Blanus is a genus of amphisbaenians found in the Mediterranean region of Europe and North Africa. Like other amphisbaenians, Blanus are specialized for a subterranean existence, with a long, slender body, reduced limbs, and rudimentary eyes. The skull is powerfully constructed, allowing the animal to push through soil to create a burrow. The jaws are well-developed, with large, recurved teeth and a pair of canine-like teeth in the upper jaw.
Contents
- Iberian worm lizard 4k siera de la andujar spain 15 gh4 blanus cinereus moorse wormhagedis
- Blanus cinereus
- Species
- References
Five 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 or represent an even more ancient lineage.
A number of fossils from Europe have been referred either to Blanus or to the Blanidae.
Blanus cinereus
Species
The genus contains the following species: