Rhinatrematidae

The nose rooting ( Rhinatrematidae ) are a family of caecilians ( Gymnophiona ) that is found in tropical South America.

Features

Be 16 to 33 inches long nose rooting. Most species are monochrome gray to purple and, compared to the length, relatively thick. Rhinatrema bivittatum has yellow stripes on the flanks and is slim. The yellow side stripes are also found in some Epicrionops species. Nose rooting have numerous skull bones and skulls open window. The jaw opening is terminal. Nasal bone and Zwischenkieferbein are separated. These features, which are not strongly adapted to their grave lifestyle. The typical for caecilians double jaw closure mechanism in the approach introduces a second muscle pair for the lower jaw to the upper jaw next to the jaw adductor muscle is present, but a simpler design. The eyes are relatively large and are close to the tentacles.

The body of the nose rooting is ringed by circumferential skin folds ( annuli ), which are further divided into secondary and tertiary annuli. Compared to more advanced Schleichenlurchfamilien they have numerous scales. A tail is present, the spine extends beyond the cloaca.

Way of life

Nose rooting live in the area covered by rotting leaves ground of tropical forests in which they lay their eggs. The larvae are aquatic and have gills opening.

System

Nose rooting are considered the most primitive Schleichenlurchfamilie and available to all other as sister group over (see the cladogram in the article caecilians ).

Genera and species

There are two genera Crotaphatrema with nine types:

• Epicrionops genus, species occur in north-western South America from Venezuela to Peru before. Epicrionops bicolor
• Epicrionops columbianus
• Epicrionops lativittatus
• Epicrionops marmoratus
• Epicrionops niger
• Epicrionops parkeri
• Epicrionops peruvianus
• Epicrionops petersi

• Rhinatrema bivittatum