Zygaspis nigra is a worm lizard species in the family Amphisbaenidae. The species is endemic to southern Africa.

Zygaspis nigra
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Amphisbaenidae
Genus: Zygaspis
Species:
Z. nigra
Binomial name
Zygaspis nigra
Broadley & Gans, 1969
Synonyms[2]
  • Zygaspis niger
    Broadley & Gans, 1969
  • Zygaspis nigra
    Broadley & S. Broadley, 1997

Geographic range

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Z. nigra is found in Angola, Botswana, the Caprivi strip, and Zambia.[2]

Habitat

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The preferred habitat of Z. nigra is woodland on sandy soil.[3]

Description

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A large worm lizard, Z. nigra may attain a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 28 cm (11 in). It is colored black and white, with a speckled or marbled appearance. It is more blackish dorsally, and is more whitish ventrally. The snout is rounded.[3]

Reproduction

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Z. nigra is oviparous.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Ceríaco, L.M.P.; Bauer, A.M.; Baptista, N.; Becker, F.; Conradie, W. (2020). "Zygaspis nigra". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T176248A120630895. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T176248A120630895.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b c Zygaspis nigra at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 24 February 2019.
  3. ^ a b Branch, Bill. (2004). Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Sanibel Island Florida: Ralph Curtis Books. 399 PP. ISBN 0-88359-042-5. (Zygaspis nigra, p. 124 + plate 42).

Further reading

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  • Broadley DG, Gans C (1969). "A new species of Zygaspis (Amphisbaenia: Reptilia) from Zambia and Angola". Arnoldia (Rhodesia) 4 (25): 1-4. (Zygaspis niger, new species).
  • Broadley, Donald G.; Broadley, Sheila (1997). "A revision of the African genus Zygaspis Cope (Reptilia: Amphisbaenia)". Syntarsus 4: 1-24. (Zygaspis nigra, corrected gender of specific name).
  • Measy, G. John; Tolley, Krystal A. (2013). "A molecular phylogeny for sub-Saharan amphisbaenians". African Journal of Herpetology 62 (2): 100-108.