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Atractaspis dahomeyensis

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Atractaspis dahomeyensis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Atractaspididae
Genus: Atractaspis
Species:
A. dahomeyensis
Binomial name
Atractaspis dahomeyensis
Bocage, 1887

Atractaspis dahomeyensis, or the Dahomey burrowing asp, is a species of venomous snake in the Atractaspididae family.[1]

Geographic range

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It is endemic to Africa.[2]

Description

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Atractaspis dahomeyensis is black dorsally. It is brown ventrally, and the ventral scales are edged with lighter brown.

Snout prominent and cuneiform. Dorsal scales arranged in 31 rows. Ventrals 240; anal entire; subcaudals 24, partly entire, partly divided.

Total length 49 cm (19+14 in); tail 32 mm (1+14 in).[3]

References

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  1. ^ "Atractaspis". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 29 August 2007.
  2. ^ Spawls, S. & Branch, B. The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. Dubai: Oriental Press, 1995. ISBN 0-88359-029-8.
  3. ^ Boulenger, G.A. 1896. Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History), Volume III. London. p. 516.