Clelia scytalina
Clelia scytalina | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Serpentes |
Family: | Colubridae |
Genus: | Clelia |
Species: | C. scytalina |
Binomial name | |
Clelia scytalina (Cope, 1867)[1] | |
Synonyms | |
|
Clelia scytalina, commonly known as the Mexican snake eater[2] or zopilota de altura (highland mussarana),[3] is a species of colubrid snake endemic to the New World.
Geographic range
It is found in Southern Mexico, Central America, and Colombia.[2]
Description
The head is somewhat distinct from the neck. The eye is moderate in size, with a vertically elliptical pupil. The body is cylindrical, and the tail is moderately long.[3]
The smooth dorsal scales are arranged in 17 rows at midbody.[3]
The coloration of juveniles is completely different from that of adults. Juveniles have a black head, a yellow or white nuchal crossband (collar), and a red body. They are often mistaken for coral snakes and killed.[3]
Habitat
It is a terrestrial animal which inhabits old-growth and second-growth forests and their borders. Occasionally it is found in open areas in submontane and montane life zones.[3]
Diet
Like other species of mussurana, it is known to feed on other snakes.[3]
Reproduction
It is oviparous (egg-laying).[3]
References
- ↑ "Clelia scytalina". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
- 1 2 3 Reptarium. Clelia scytalina (Cope, 1867) at the Reptile Database. Consulted: 22 April 2012.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Muñoz Chacón, Federico. (2000) Clelia scytalina (Cope, 1867). INBio (Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad), Costa Rica. Consulted: 22 April 2012.
External links
- Clelia scytalina at the Encyclopedia of Life.
Further reading
- Cope, E.D. 1867. Fifth Contribution to the HERPETOLOGY of Tropical America. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 18 ["1866"]: 317-323. ("Scolecophis scytalinus sp. nov.", p. 320.)
- Muñoz Chacón, Federico; and Richard Dennis Johnston. 2013. Amphibians and Reptiles of Costa Rica: A Pocket Guide. Comstock. Ithaca, New York.
170 pp. ISBN 0801478693.