Chthonophis
Name:
Chthonophis(Beneath the earth snake).
Phonetic: Sif-on-off-iss.
Named By: N. R. Longrich, J. Vinther, R.
A. Pyron, D. Pisani & J. A. Gauthier - 2015.
Classification: Chordata, Reptilia, Squamata,
Chthonophidae.
Species: C. subterraneus
(type).
Diet: Uncertain.
Size: Unknown due to lack of remains.
Known locations: USA, Montana - Fort Union
Formation?
Time period: Paleocene.
Fossil representation: Partial lower jaw that seems
to have been partially digested.
Although known only from a partial jaw, Chthonophis may represent one of the earliest appearances of an Amphisbaenia lizard. Also known as worm lizards, amphisbaenians are lizards that have lost limbs giving them a superficial resemblance to snakes, although even a basic study of them will reveal several clear differences.
Further reading
- Biogeography of worm lizards (Amphisbaenia) driven by
end-Cretaceous mass extinction. - Proceedings of the Royal
Society, B 282:20143034. - N. R. Longrich, J. Vinther,
R. A. Pyron, D. Pisani & J. A. Gauthier -
2015.
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