Blanus, also known as worm lizards, are a genus of amphisbaenians found in the Mediterranean region of Europe and North Africa.[2] Like other amphisbaenians, Blanus species are specialized for a subterranean existence, with long, slender bodies, reduced limbs, and rudimentary eyes. Their skulls are powerfully constructed, allowing them to push through soil to create a burrow. Their jaws are well-developed, with large, recurved teeth and a pair of canine-like teeth in the upper jaw.
| Blanus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Iberian worm lizard (Blanus cinereus) | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Clade: | Amphisbaenia |
| Family: | Blanidae Kearney 2003 |
| Genus: | Blanus Wagler, 1830[1] |
Five extant species are currently known. The relationships of Blanus to other worm-lizards are not clear. The genus was formerly included in the Amphisbaenidae. More recent analyses suggest that blanids are more primitive, and are either related to Bipes[3] or represent an even more ancient lineage.[4]
A number of fossils from Europe have been referred either to Blanus or to the Blanidae.[5]
Species
The genus contains the following species:[6][7]
- Blanus alexandri Sindaco, Kornilios, Sacchi & Lymberakis, 2014
- Blanus aporus Werner, 1898
- Blanus cinereus (Vandelli, 1797) – Iberian worm lizard
- Blanus mariae Albert & Fernández, 2009
- Blanus mendezi† Bolet et al., 2014
- Blanus mettetali Bons, 1963 – Moroccan worm lizard
- Blanus strauchi (Bedriaga, 1884) – Turkish worm lizard
- Blanus tingitanus Busack, 1988
References
Media related to Blanus at Wikimedia Commons