Chthonophis

Sif-on-off-iss.
By Benjamin Gutierrez
Published on

Benjamin Gutierrez

Vertebrate Paleontologist

Benjamin Gutierrez is a leading expert on dinosaurs, particularly the mighty theropods. His fieldwork in South America has uncovered new species and provided insights into dinosaur social structures.

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Gutierrez, B. (2014, December 21). Chthonophis. Prehistoric-wildlife. https://www.prehistoric-wildlife.com/species/chthonophis/

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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.

Diet

Uncertain.

Species

C.‭ ‬subterraneus‭

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.

In Depth

       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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