Observations on the dental morphology of the North African Sandfish, Scincus scincus (Squamata: Scincidae)

Abstract

The dental morphology of the North African Sandfish Lizard Scincus scincus (Linnaeus, 1858) was studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy. The primary aim of the study was to observe structural features of teeth in the species and generalize functional adaptations with respect to its feeding ecology. Specimens were euthanized, decapitated, the cranial removed and tissues macerated, using standard protocols. Cranial elements, including maxillary and mandibular elements were prepared separately using an ethanol series, critically point-dried, and examined under an electron microscope. S. scincus exhibits monostichous, bicuspid, sub-equal, sub-conical, posteriorly-oriented mandibular, and maxillary teeth rows comprising of faint ridges. The dentition appeared to mirror a predator of arthropods, as in a majority of members of the lineage, in addition to adaptations for larger prey, such as small vertebrates.