Peering into the unknown world of amphisbaenians (Squamata, Amphisbaenia): A summary of the life history of Amphisbaena alba

Abstract

Capturing data on the life of fossorial vertebrates is difficult since access to the subterranean environment is made unfeasible by its density and opacity. Collecting specimens is only possible through excavation work, causing damage or even death to the specimens. Due to the obstacles of in situ studies, the scarce information comes from reports obtained indirectly, mainly through specimens preserved in museums. Considering the adaptations to fossoriality, investments in studying these groups could be very enlightening since they would contribute enormously to the knowledge of the evolutionary strategies developed throughout the colonisation of the subterranean world. Amphisbaena alba is the species of Amphisbaenia with the broadest geographic distribution in the world. It occupies virtually all countries in South America except for Chile and southern Argentina. This study, carried out over the last 36 years, aims to provide data on the biology and behaviour of A. alba in captivity and in the field. Our main objective is to provide subsidies to expand the knowledge of the life history of this species and, by extension, of amphisbaenians in general.