Redescription and geographic variation of Monopeltis guentheri Boulenger (Amphisbaenia, Reptilia). American Museum novitates ; no. 2464

Abstract

"The present paper reviews all available specimens of Monopeltis guentheri Boulenger, a form that occurs at several sites in the Congo River Basin. The study confirms that Monopeltis boulengeri Boettger is a strict synonym. Minor geographical variation is described. Most important is an ontogenetic change that produces keratinization and gradual fusion of the large cephalic shields. Only a very few juvenile specimens show two discrete shields; as individuals grow, the center of the suture fuses and finally most of it is covered by a thick layer of keratin. Specimens with an autotomized and healed tail show a distally pigmented and rounded tip which is most similar to the short (nonautotomizing) tail of some other species of the genus"--P. [1].