Brasilotyphlus
| Brasilotyphlus | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Gymnophiona |
| Family: | Siphonopidae |
| Genus: | Brasilotyphlus |
Brasilotyphlus is a genus of caecilians in the Siphonopidae family. It was considered monotypic, containing only the species Brasilotyphlus braziliensis, but the recently described species Brasilotyphlus guarantanus has been placed in this same genus. Both species have only been recorded from Brazilian Amazonia. This genus has also been suggested as paraphyletic to Microcaecilia.
The genus was discovered less than a century ago, and relatively little is known about it to date.The physical shape and structure of Brasilotyphlus has been recorded, while information concerning even basic biology, such as physiology and habitat, of this genus is lacking. Currently, it is known to be a subterranean genus living in the rainforest of Brazil. Further, the threats to this genus are currently unknown, as its ability to adapt to a secondary habitat has not been observed. Both species have been located exclusively in Brazil. Their known locations are small and restricted. They were found independent of each other, and their habitats may not overlap. The closest known habitats for the two species, with respect to each other, are approximately 950 km apart. Beyond this there is little to no knowledge as to the distribution of this genus, which makes locating a subject for research quite difficult. The first of these species, Brasilotyphlus braziliensis has not even been seen since 1997. Even the classification of this genus is a source of confusion, as not all scholars agree on the phylogeny. To date, no photographs have been published of the living Brasilotyphlus brasiliensis.
This genus has been strongly suggested to be put under taxonomic review. It was originally declared its own genus because of its distinct combination of characteristics. Namely, it had premaxillary teeth which did not extend to the level of the posterior nasal apertures. It had vomerine teeth which were organized in rows of compact semicircles and were separated from the palatine teeth by a gap. The eye was not visible externally, instead covered by thick bone. There were small tentacles which, in comparison to other caecillians of similar size, were much closer to the mouth. Lastly, the specimen has a weak vertical keel on the terminal part of the body. However, the finding of the second species, B. guarantanus, has redefined the genus characteristics. Now, the genus is described as diminutive caecilian, being no more than 305 mm in length.
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