Range: Oasis of Ghat, western Libya, Africa

 

Lanzai’s threadsnake is a rare species for which even the official description is hard to find (and currently locked behind paywalls); recorded only from a small region right on the western border of Libya, though it may yet be found in neighboring Algeria. Almost no information is publicly available; the species likely reaches around 31 cm in length, with a slender build and blunt head sporting a hooked snout and a short spine-tipped tail. Dorsal scale count likely to be around 300, midbody scale row count 14 and tail 12. Color is relatively uniform pinkish-tan to brown, lighter on the underside. This species can be distinguished from its relatives M. algeriensis, macrorhynchus, and cairi in the 12-count scale rows on the tail, broader rostral scale, and very large frontal and divided parietal scales.

 

Habitat: Unknown, likely loose soils in moist microhabitats around vegetation at 670 meters in elevation.

 

Diet: Small invertebrates such as ant and termite larvae.

 

Lifespan and reproduction: lifespan unknown, likely under 7 years. Oviparous, lays eggs.

 

Sources: https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Myriopholis&species=lanzai