| Kilwa sharp-snouted worm lizard | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Clade: | Amphisbaenia |
| Family: | Amphisbaenidae |
| Genus: | Ancylocranium |
| Species: | A. ionidesi |
| Binomial name | |
| Ancylocranium ionidesi Loveridge, 1955 | |
The Kilwa sharp-snouted worm lizard (Ancylocranium ionidesi) is a species of amphisbaenian in the family Amphisbaenidae. The species is endemic to Tanzania. There are two recognized subspecies.
The specific name, ionidesi, is in honor of British game warden Constantine John Philip Ionides (1901–1968), who was known as the "Snake Man of British East Africa".
A. ionidesi is found in southeastern Tanzania.
The preferred natural habitat of A. ionidesi is forest, at altitudes around 500 m (1,600 ft).
A. ionidesi is terrestrial and fossorial.
A. ionidesi preys upon small invertebrates such as termites.
There are two subspecies that are recognized as being valid, including the nominotypical subspecies.