Plagiopholis styani
| Plagiopholis styani | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Pseudoxenodontidae |
| Genus: | Plagiopholis |
| Species: | P. styani |
| Binomial name | |
| Plagiopholis styani (Boulenger, 1899) | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Trirhinopholis styani Boulenger, 1899 | |
Plagiopholis styani, also known by the common name Chinese mountain snake, is a species of colubrid snake. Its type locality is Kuatun (Guadun in modern spelling: Chinese: 挂墩; pinyin: guàdūn) in Wuyishan, Fujian.[2] It is found in southern and central China, Taiwan, and northern Vietnam.[1] It is an uncommon species,[1] and very rare in Taiwan. It is named after Frederick William Styan, a Shanghai-based English tea merchant and ornithologist.[3]
Description
Plagiopholis styani is a small non-venomous snake, reaching a total length of up to 40 cm (16 in). Its upper head, body and tail are red-brown, olive-brown, or green-brown, with flecks of pink or black pigment on each scale, especially for those on the flanks of body. The upper body and tail have a spotted pattern of black or light yellow. There is a dark and thick cross band on nape, reflected in its Chinese name, Fujian neck-blotched snake (Chinese: 福建頸斑蛇).[3]
Habitat and ecology
Plagiopholis styani occur in areas of montane and bamboo forest, including caves.[1] It is a nocturnal snake that eats mainly earthworms and arthropods; it uses its head to burrow. Females produce clutches of 5-11 eggs in summer.[3]
References
- 1 2 3 4 Vogel, G.; Guo, P.; Lau, M. & Li, P. (2012). "Plagiopholis styani". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
- ↑ Plagiopholis styani at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 10 June 2014.
- 1 2 3 Hans Breuer & William Christopher Murphy (2009–2010). "Plagiopholis styani". Snakes of Taiwan. External link in
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