| Platyplectrurus madurensis | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Uropeltidae |
| Genus: | Platyplectrurus |
| Species: | P. madurensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Platyplectrurus madurensis Beddome, 1877 |
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| Synonyms | |
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Platyplectrurus madurensis, commonly known as the Travancore Hills thorntail snake, is a species of uropeltid snake. It is endemic to southern India and Sri Lanka.
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It is found in the Western Ghats of India and in Sri Lanka.
Type locality of Platyplectrurus madurensis: "About Kodiukarnal on the Pulney Mountains (Madura district), 6000 feet elevation".
Type locality of Wallia inexpectata: "Südindien (Pulney Hills, Madura)".
Type locality of Platyplectrurus ruhanae: "Galle" district in the Southern Province, Sri Lanka.[1]
The dorsum is iridescent purplish brown. The ventrals and the scales in the two adjoining rows on both sides are white in the center, with purplish brown borders.
The longest of Beddome's type specimens measures 35 cm (13¾ inches) in total length.
Dorsal scales in 15 rows at midbody (in 17 rows behind the head). Ventrals 158-175; subcaudals 10-15.
Very similar to Platyplectrurus trilineatus, except the head shields are shorter, and the supraocular is not longer than the prefrontal. Diameter of body 38-42 times in total length.[2]
Two subspecies are recognized, including the nominate race.