Re‐discovery of Cynisca bifrontalis in Gabon, with additional notes on Monopeltis galeata (Reptilia: Amphisbaenia)

Abstract

A small series of amphisbaenians from the Toucan/Rabi region, Ogooué‐Maritime Province, south‐western Gabon, is reported. It includes five specimens of Cynisca bifrontalis (Boulenger 1906), previously known only from the holotype, and five specimens of Monopeltis galeata (Hallowell 1852). The Toucan/Rabi material represents a range extension of 90 km south‐east for both species. Morphological variation in the new material is discussed. Body annuli counts in both species differ from documented ranges, but the possible taxonomic significance of this cannot be assessed until larger series become available. Like congeners with extensively fused head shields, C. bifrontalis displays variability in cephalic scutellation. Pre‐cloacal pores in females are represented by small scale depressions, but these lack secretion cores. The species reaches a snout‐vent length of only 131 mm and is thus one of the smallest known fossorial reptiles. Cynisca haughi (Mocquard 1904) is poorly diagnosed and its taxonomic status requires further study.