The ethmoidal region of Dibamus taylori (Squamata: Dibamidae), with a phylogenetic hypothesis on dibamid relationships within Squamata

The nasal capsule and nasal sac of Dibamus taylori are described based on a plate reconstruction of serially sectioned material and are compared with several other squamate taxa. The ethmoidal region of D. taylori is characterized by a short nasal vestibule, a well developed concha, a much reduced and nearly functionless Jacobson's organ, an incomplete nasal roof, and a true nasopharyngeal duct with a complicated secondary palate. Cartilaginous and epithelial structures of the ethmoidal region provide many informative and useful characters for a phylogenetic analysis. Different anatomical features of D. taylori are compared with other burrowing forms (Acontias meleagris, Annietta, pulchra Voetzkowia mira, Feylinia curron) and discussed functionally and phylogenetically. Phylogenetic analysis of all higher squamate taxa using 144 available data derived from many regions of the body indicates relative relationships as (((Dibamidae, Amphisbaenia) Serpentes) Scleroglossa).