A peculiar underground reptile has just been observed in the Brazilian mountains. An unexpected discovery that intrigues scientists and raises numerous questions.
This lizard with a singular appearance resembles more a worm than a scaly animal. But its existence reveals unsuspected biodiversity.
Amphisbaena amethysta sp. nov. alive (unidentified specimen from the type series).
A lateral view and B dorsal view.
Photograph by TBS.
Serra do Espinhaço, known for its mineral treasures, also hides biological riches. Recently, researchers identified a new species of reptile, named
Amphisbaena amethysta, during environmental studies.
This specimen, measuring nearly 10 inches long (26 centimeters), sports a dominant pink color, reminiscent of earthworms, but its tail is marked by brown scales, a surprising detail.
Its overall appearance is particularly unique for a lizard, especially due to the complete absence of legs. These morphological adaptations allow it to move easily underground, where legs would have been useless and cumbersome in its burrowing environment.
To confirm that it was indeed a new species, scientists conducted DNA analyses. Simultaneously, they compared the shape of the snout, the arrangement of the scales, and the number of body rings.
Tail of Amphisbaena amethysta sp. nov. (Holotype, CEPB 2311).
Detail of the autotomy site and the four precloacal pores.
Scale bar: 0.12 inches (3 mm). lives exclusively underground, at altitudes of around 3,280 feet (1,000 meters), within a 24-mile perimeter (38 kilometers). Its eyes are adapted to this hidden life, far from the light.
This discovery, published in
ZooKeys, may only be the first of a series of species yet to be revealed. The region is indeed brimming with endemic species that have barely been explored.
Scientists believe that the Serra do Espinhaço, like other isolated mountains, harbors a largely unknown fauna. This suggests future expeditions and new findings should be anticipated.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND