Tropidophis cacuangoae
| Tropidophis cacuangoae | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Tropidophiidae |
| Genus: | Tropidophis |
| Species: | T. cacuangoae
|
| Binomial name | |
| Tropidophis cacuangoae (multi-organization researchers, 2023)
| |
Tropidophis cacuangoae is a dwarf boa species in the genus Tropidophis, discovered in 2023.
Description
T. cacuangoae usually grows to a length of 20 centimeters. These snakes have a skin coloring similar to those of the boa constrictor.[1] The species is unusual because it has a "vestigial pelvis", a characteristic of primitive snakes, which some see as evidence that snakes descended from lizards that lost their limbs over millions of years.[2]
Distribution and habitat
The snakes are endemic to South America, more precisely in Ecuador.[3]
Discovery
The discovery was made by multi-organization researchers that included Mauricio Ortega Andrade, Alexander Bentley, Claudia Koch, Mario Yánez-Muñoz and Omar Entiauspe Neto in Ecuadorian Amazon in 2023.[4] Two specimens were found in the Colonso Chalupas national reserve and in the private Sumak Kawsay park, the discoverers reported.[5] According to Ecuador's environment ministry, the second part of the name honors early 20th century indigenous rights activist Dolores Cacuango.[5]
References
- ^ "Scientists stumble upon tiny, 1-foot snake in rainforest — and discover a new species".
- ^ "New dwarf boa snake species found in Ecuadorian Amazon". Report News Agency. Retrieved 2023-01-07.
- ^ AFP (2023-01-06). "New dwarf boa found in Ecuadoran Amazon". Digital Journal. Retrieved 2023-01-07.
- ^ "Strange New Snake Species Dubbed Primitive 'Relic of Time'". MSN. 6 January 2023. Retrieved 2023-01-07.
- ^ a b "New dwarf boa found in Ecuadoran Amazon". phys.org. Retrieved 2023-01-07.