Ahaetulla prasina

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Unikonta

Oriental whipsnake
Oriental whipsnake, Ahaetulla prasina
Scientific classification e
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Colubridae
Genus: Ahaetulla
Species: A. prasina
Binomial name
Ahaetulla prasina
(Boie, 1827)[1]
Synonyms

Dryophis prasinus Boie, 1827

Ahaetulla prasina, commonly known as the Asian vine snake or the Oriental whipsnake, is a widespread species of tree snake found in South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Contents

[edit] Description

Snout acuminate, projecting, without dermal appendage, rather more than twice as long as the eye. Internasals usually in contact with the labials; one to four small loreals between the prefrontal and the labials ; frontal as long as its distance from the end of the snout or a little longer, a little longer than the parietals; one preocular, in contact with the frontal; two postoculars; temporals 2+2 or 3+3, rarely 1+2; upper labials 9, fourth, fifth, and sixth entering the eye; 4 lower labials in contact with the anterior chin-shields, which are shorter than the posterior. Scales in 15 rows, usually faintly keeled on sacral region. Ventrals 203-234; anal divided; subcaudals 167-203, Bright green, pale olive, or grey-brown, with a yellow line along each side of the lower parts; interstitial skin of the neck black and white.[2]

Adults may attain 1.8 m (6 feet) in total length, with a tail .6 m (2 feet) long.[3]

Its appearance is very much like those of South American vine snakes. It is a rear-fanged species and is mildly venomous but is not considered a threat to humans.

[edit] Diet

Ahaetulla prasina feeds on small reptiles and amphibians, particularly lizards and tree frogs.

[edit] In captivity

In recent years, it has entered the pet trade and has become quite popular among hobbyists.

[edit] Subspecies

Four subspecies are recognized, including the nominate race.

[edit] Distribution

India (Sikkim, Bhutan, Assam; Arunachal Pradesh (Miao - Changlang district, Chimpu, Itanagar - Papum Pare district)), Myanmar (= Burma), Thailand (including Phuket), Western Malaysia (including Pulau Tioman, Johor: Pulau Besar), Singapore, China (Hong Kong, westward through Guizhou and Yunnan to SE Xizang = Tibet), Indonesia (Borneo, Celebes = Sulawesi, Anamba Archipelago, Bali, Bangka, Belitung, Butung, Java, Kalimantan, Lombok, Mentawai Islands, Natuna Islands, Nias, Riau Archipelago, Sangihe Islands, Sebuku, Simeulue, Sula Archipelago, Sumatra, Sumbawa, Ternate, Lifou); Bangladesh; Bhutan; Brunei Darussalam; Cambodia; India; Laos; Malaysia (Malaya and East Malaysia); Philippine Islands (including Palawan: Calamian Islands, Panay); Singapore; and Vietnam

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Dahms Tierleben. www.dahmstierleben.de
  2. ^ Boulenger, G.A. 1890. Fauna of British India. Reptilia and Batrachia. British Museum. London. p. 369.
  3. ^ Boulenger, G.A. 1896. Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History), Volume III. London.

[edit] References

  • Boulenger, G.A. 1897 List of the reptiles and batrachians collected by Mr. Alfred Everett in Lombok, Flores, Sumba and Saru, with descriptions of new species.Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (6) 19: 503-509
  • Shaw, G. 1802 General Zoology, or Systematic Natural History. Vol.3, part 1 + 2. G. Kearsley, Thomas Davison, London: 313-615

[edit] External links


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