Zygaspis nigra

Zygaspis nigra
Conservation status
	; Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Lacertoidea
Clade:	Amphisbaenia
Family:	Amphisbaenidae
Genus:	Zygaspis
Species:	Z. nigra
Binomial name
	Zygaspis nigra; Broadley & Gans, 1969
Synonyms
	Zygaspis niger; Broadley & Gans, 1969; Zygaspis nigra; Broadley & S. Broadley, 1997;

Last updated October 06, 2025

Zygaspis nigra is a worm lizard species in the family Amphisbaenidae. The species is endemic to southern Africa.

Geographic range

Z. nigra is found in Angola, Botswana, the Caprivi strip, and Zambia.^[2]

Habitat

The preferred habitat of Z. nigra is woodland on sandy soil.^[3]

Description

A large worm lizard, Z. nigra may attain a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 28 cm (11 in). It is colored black and white, with a speckled or marbled appearance. It is more blackish dorsally, and is more whitish ventrally. The snout is rounded.^[3]

Reproduction

Z. nigra is oviparous.^[2]

References

↑ Ceríaco, L.M.P.; Bauer, A.M.; Baptista, N.; Becker, F.; Conradie, W. (2020). "Zygaspis nigra". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2020 e.T176248A120630895. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T176248A120630895.en . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
1 2 3 Zygaspis nigra at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database . Accessed 24 February 2019.
1 2 Branch, Bill. (2004). Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Sanibel Island Florida: Ralph Curtis Books. 399 PP. ISBN 0-88359-042-5. (Zygaspis nigra, p. 124 + plate 42).

Broadley DG, Gans C (1969). "A new species of Zygaspis (Amphisbaenia: Reptilia) from Zambia and Angola". Arnoldia (Rhodesia)4 (25): 1-4. (Zygaspis niger, new species).
Broadley, Donald G.; Broadley, Sheila (1997). "A revision of the African genus Zygaspis Cope (Reptilia: Amphisbaenia)". Syntarsus4: 1-24. (Zygaspis nigra, corrected gender of specific name).
Measy, G. John; Tolley, Krystal A. (2013). "A molecular phylogeny for sub-Saharan amphisbaenians". African Journal of Herpetology62 (2): 100-108.

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[iucn_status_19_November_2021-1] Ceríaco, L.M.P.; Bauer, A.M.; Baptista, N.; Becker, F.; Conradie, W. (2020). "Zygaspis nigra". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2020 e.T176248A120630895. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T176248A120630895.en . Retrieved 19 November 2021.

[RDB-2] 1 2 3 Zygaspis nigra at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database . Accessed 24 February 2019.

[Bill-3] 1 2 Branch, Bill. (2004). Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Sanibel Island Florida: Ralph Curtis Books. 399 PP. ISBN 0-88359-042-5. (Zygaspis nigra, p. 124 + plate 42).

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