Lialis burtonis (Burton's Snake-lizard)

Common name: Burton's Snake-lizard

SVL: SVL: 250mm. Total length: 600mm

Burton's Snake-lizard is one of two species in the genus of Lialis which has a distinctive elongated snout and distinctive wedge-shaped head.

It feeds on other lizards and even small snakes.

It's called a snake lizard as it does not have any legs and has flexible mesokinetic and hypokinetic joints, which allow its jaws to encircle prey. Other morphological adaptations to enable it to deal with large struggling prey items include recurved and hinged teeth that assists it to grip its prey; its elongated snout which may also promote binocular vision which would allow strikes to be more accurately directed; and the ability to retract its eyes to protect them during conflict.

Lialis burtonis is listed in the following regions:

Canberra & Southern Tablelands  |  Albury, Wodonga  |  Greater Sydney  |  Central West NSW  |  New South Wales North Coast  |  Greater Brisbane  |  Pilbara  |  Central and Barkley


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