Designed by Paul Smith 2006. This website is copyrighted by law.
Material contained herewith may not be used without the prior written permission of FAUNA Paraguay.
Photographs on this page were taken by Pier Cacciali and Sergio Rios are used with permission.
SHOVEL-NOSED AMPHISBAENID Leposternon microcephalum
Depending on the pureness of your mind your first reaction on seeing this subterranean reptile will either be "phallic!" or "weird-looking worm!" This is not an uncommon species, but little is known of its biology because of its burrowing habits. Most are seen when they emerge to the surface following heavy rains in an attempt to escape the rising groundwater levels.
Click on the images to enlarge them.
FIGURE 1 (FPREP435PH)  - Adult lateral, Estancia Kanguery, Departamento Itapúa (Pier Cacciali August 2010).
FIGURE 2 (FPREP436PH) - Same individual head detail (Pier Cacciali August 2010).
FIGURE 3 (FPREP440PH)  - Adult, Asunción, Departamento Central (Sergio Rios September 2010).
FIGURE 4 (FPREP441PH)  - Same individual (Sergio Rios September 2010).
FIGURE 5 (FPREP442PH)  - Same individual head detail (Sergio Rios September 2010).
FIGURE 6 (FPREP443PH)  - Same individual tail (Sergio Rios September 2010).
FIGURE 1

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 2

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FIGURE 3

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FIGURE 4

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FIGURE 5

FIGURE 5
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FIGURE 6