Pseudoferania
| Pseudoferania | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Homalopsidae |
| Genus: | Pseudoferania Ogilby, 1891 |
| Species: | P. polylepis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Pseudoferania polylepis Fischer, 1886
| |
| Synonyms[1] | |
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Pseudoferania is a genus of snake in the family Homalopsidae. The genus is monotypic, containing the sole species Pseudoferania polylepis (MacLeay's water snake).[2] The snake is found in Australia and New Guinea.
Description
[edit]MacLeay's water snake is a largely nocturnal[3] species that is typically found in coastal Northern Territory. The water snakes spend most of their time in or near water where they feed; they will only leave to bask in the sun or breed. They are found mostly in freshwater lagoons, swamps and creeks and can also be found sheltering in vegetation near water. Their range increases markedly during wet season flooding.[3] Their most defining characteristic is their stout bodies and strongly keeled scales. In terms of breeding, water snakes are viviparous which means that they give birth to up to 15 [3] live offspring instead of laying eggs. They are a mildly venomous species with rear-facing fangs.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ Pseudoferania polylepis at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 9 October 2020.
- ^ Pseudoferania at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database
- ^ a b c "Macleay's water snake" (PDF). Common snakes of the Northern Territory. Northern Territory Government. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-03-22. Retrieved 2011-05-12.
- ^ "Enhydris polylepis (Macleay's Water Snake) - JCU". www-public.jcu.edu.au. Archived from the original on 30 May 2012. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
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