Ringed caecilian
A species of Ringed caecilians Scientific name : Siphonops annulatus Genus : Ringed caecilians
Ringed caecilian, A species of Ringed caecilians
Scientific name: Siphonops annulatus
Genus: Ringed caecilians
Content
Description General Info
Photo By vincentvosriberalta , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The ringed caecilian (Siphonops annulatus) is a species of amphibian in the family Siphonopidae from South America. It might have the broadest known distribution among terrestrial caecilian species.
General Info
Lifespan
10-12 years
Diet
Primarily an insectivore, ringed caecilian indulges in a diet largely comprised of ants, beetles, and termites. This burrowing creature seeks nourishment opportunistically, also consuming worms and small invertebrates found underground.
Appearance
Ringed caecilian is a medium-sized, cylindrical amphibian with smooth, glossy skin. Its body is marked with ring-like bands, alternating between pale and dark varieties of brown. Unique to other caecilians, ringed caecilian possesses a protruding snout used for navigation and hunting. Its eyes are hidden under the skin and skull, making them nearly invisible. No significant differences exist in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Ringed caecilian is a fossorial species, meaning it spends most of its time underground. It demonstrates unique predatory behavior by utilizing its upper jaw and teeth to seize invertebrate prey. Typically solitary, ringed caecilian displays intense territoriality, particularly during the breeding season. To communicate, it employs vibrational signals transmitted through the ground.
Photo By vincentvosriberalta , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Caecilians Family
Common caecilians Genus
Ringed caecilians Species
Ringed caecilian