Predation of Amphisbaena darwinii (Duméril & Bibrón, 1839) by Phalotris lemniscatus (Duméril, Bibrón, & Duméril, 1854): a contribution to trophic interaction data in squamate reptiles

Abstract

Detailed natural history records constitute the fundamental basis for calibrating complex ecological and evolutionary models. We document a predator-prey interaction between the dipsadid snake Phalotris lemniscatus and the fossorial amphisbaenian Amphisbaena darwinii from southern Brazil. The snake had ingested the amphisbaenian head-first; the prey measured over
50% of the predator’s length and 68% of its body circumference, confirming the consumption of large, elongate prey. The meticulous description of this event, with explicit morphometric and ecological data provides a crucial empirical data
point to address the Eltonian shortfall — the scarcity of species interaction data. Such documented records are essential for validating the ecological plausibility of interactions in food-web models, refining evolutionary inferences about squamate diet, and highlighting the enduring value of scientific collections..

Keywords
Amphisbenidae; Elapomorphini; Eltonian Shortfall; Fossorial reptiles; Natural History.