Amphisbaenian (Loveridgea ionidesii) (whole, skull and cutaway views)

Loveridgea is a member of the amphisbaenian lineage, which includes mostly small, limbless lizards that superficially resemble snakes. They spend most of their lives underground, burrowing through soil as they prospect for food. The skull for this tiny animal is about 6 mm long. Historically, the skulls and other bones of amphisbaenians have been very difficult to study, owing to their very small size. (above, left) 3D pseudocolored reconstruction, whole sample. (above, right) Soft tissure rendered transparent, showing skull only. (below, left) 3D pseudocolored reconstruction, whole sample, tissue on front half of skull rendered transparent. (below right) as left, top portion of skull digitally removed showing internal details of the head structure. Sample courtesy of Dr. Carl Gans, University of Texas at Austin.

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