Hinged Teeth in the Enigmatic Colubrid, Iguanognathus Werneri
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Copeia
Issue
3
Publication Date
1999
First Page
815
Last Page
818
Abstract
Iguanognathus is a monotypic genus known from only one specimen and notable for the unusual morphology of its teeth. Here, we study the tooth morphology of Iguanognathus werneri in detail, using scanning electron microscopy. The teeth of Iguanognathus are found to be hinged. Hinged teeth in other snakes are often correlated with dietary specialization, and an easily broken tail. Examination of Iguanognthus reveals an arthropod as gut contents and a broken tail.
Recommended Citation
Jackson, K., G. Underwood, E. N. Arnold, and Alan H. Savitzky. 1999. Hinged teeth in the enigmatic colubrid, Iguanognathus werneri. Copeia, 1999(3):815-818.