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OPHIDERPETON
(o-phid-erp-e-ton)
meaning: "Snake creeper"
Ophiderpeton
Named By: Huxley in 1865
Time Period: Early Carboniferous to Early Permian 345.3-294.6 Ma
Location: U.S.A., Ohio, - Czech Republic
Size: 70 centimetres long
Diet: unavailable
Fossil(s): Many examples have been preserved
Classification: | Chordata | Amphibia | Lepospondyli | Aistopoda | Ophiderpetontidae |
About

Ophiderpeton is an extinct genus of lepospondyl amphibian from the early Carboniferous to the early Permian. Remains of this genus are widespread and were found in Ohio, United States and the Czech Republic (Central Europe).

An aistopod, Ophiderpeton was snake-like, without any trace of limbs. Its body was about 70 centimetres (28 in) long, with 230 vertebrae. The skull measured 15 millimetres (0.59 in), and large, forward-facing eyes, suggesting a hunting lifestyle. It probably lived in burrows, feeding on insects, worms, millipedes, and snails.

A large number of species are classified in the genus, and similar animals, Phlegethontia and Sillerpeton, are known. An earlier genus, Lethiscus, is known from the Carboniferous and Early Permian.

Read more about Ophiderpeton at Wikipedia
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