Rhinophis punctatus

Rhinophis punctatus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Uropeltidae
Genus: Rhinophis
Species: R. punctatus
Binomial name
Rhinophis punctatus
J.P. Müller, 1832

Rhinophis punctatus, or Müller's earth snake, is a species of snake in the Uropeltidae family. It is endemic to the island of Sri Lanka.[1]

Description

Yellowish dorsally and ventrally, each scale with a blackspot. However, the scales of the rows adjoining the vertebral row lack spots.

Adults may attain a total length of 39 cm (15 14 in).

Scalation very similar to Rhinophis oxyrhynchus. Differs in having a more slender body (diameter 47 to 49 times in total length) and a higher number of ventrals (236-246).[2]

References

  1. Bamaradeniya, Channa N.B. The Fauna of Sri Lanka: Status of Taxonomy, Research and Conservation. Colombo, Sri Lanka: IUCN, 2006. 163.
  2. Boulenger, G.A. 1893. Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History). Volume I., Containing the Families...Uropeltidæ... Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). London. p. 141.

Further reading


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