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Department of Zoology, University of Kuwait

ABSTRACT

The cranial osteology of the amphisbaenian Diplometopon zarudnyi has been studied in macerated as well as alizarine-stained skulls. The bones of the skull were described in some detail to find out their relationships with each other, their size and articulation or fusion with other elements of the skull. Adaptive features were observed as regards the construction of the skull elements since the species is a highly fossorial squamate reptile. The snout region is adapted for digging, with well-developed frontal and parietal downgrowths for subterranean life, and an expanded extra-columella lateral to the mandible for picking up subterranean sound waves transmitted via the upper and lower jaws. Prefrontal, posifrontal, postorbital, lacrimal and jugal bones are entirely absent. The teeth are acrodont, strong, sharply pointed and directed backwards. The facial part of the skull is curved ventrally, making an angle with its cranial portion. The hyoid apparatus has been described. Affinities of the species to the lizards and snakes are discussed.