Amblyodipsas
Amblyodipsas | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | |
Phylum: | |
Subphylum: | |
Class: | |
Order: | |
Suborder: | |
Family: | |
Genus: | Amblyodipsas Peters, 1857
|
- Common names: Purple-glossed Snakes.
Amblyodipsas is a genus of snakes found in Africa. Currently, 9 species are recognized.[1] These snakes are often known as glossy snakes. Although rear-fanged, all species are considered harmless, but their venom has not been well studied. They should not be confused with the glossy snakes of the genus Arizona, which are found in North America.[2]
Description
Maxillary very short, with five teeth gradually increasing in size and followed, after an interspace, by a large grooved fang situated below the eye. Mandibular teeth decreasing in size posteriorly. Head small, not distinct from neck; eye minute, with round pupil; nostril in a single very small nasal; no internasals; no loreal; no preocular; no anterior temporal. Body cylindrical. Dorsal scales smooth, without pits. Tail very short, obtuse. Subcaudals in two rows.[3]
Species
*) Not including the nominate subspecies. T) Type species.
See also
References
- ^ a b c d ."Amblyodipsas". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 5 September 2007.
- ^ Smith, H.M. and E.D. Brodie, Jr. Reptiles of North America, A Guide to Field Identification. Golden Press. New York. pp. 182-183.
- ^ Boulenger, G.A. 1896. Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History), Volume III. London. p. 244.
- ^ a b Amblyodipsas at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 7 May 2009.