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Article
Hinged Teeth in the Enigmatic Colubrid, Iguanognathus Werneri
Copeia
  • K. Jackson
  • G. Underwood
  • E. N. Arnold
  • Alan H. Savitzky, Utah State University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-1999
Disciplines
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.

Citation Information
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.