Clelia scytalina

Clelia scytalina
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Colubridae
Genus: Clelia
Species: C. scytalina
Binomial name
Clelia scytalina
(Cope, 1867)[1]
Synonyms
  • Scolecophis scytalinus
    Cope, 1867
  • Oxyrhopus proximus
    Bocourt, 1897
  • Clelia clelia immaculata
    H.M. Smith, 1942
  • Clelia scytalina — Stuart, 1963[2]

Clelia scytalina, commonly known as the Mexican snake eater[2] or zopilota de altura (highland mussarana),[3] is a species of colubrid snake endemic to the New World.

Geographic range

It is found in Southern Mexico, Central America, and Colombia.[2]

Description

The head is somewhat distinct from the neck. The eye is moderate in size, with a vertically elliptical pupil. The body is cylindrical, and the tail is moderately long.[3]

The smooth dorsal scales are arranged in 17 rows at midbody.[3]

The coloration of juveniles is completely different from that of adults. Juveniles have a black head, a yellow or white nuchal crossband (collar), and a red body. They are often mistaken for coral snakes and killed.[3]

Habitat

It is a terrestrial animal which inhabits old-growth and second-growth forests and their borders. Occasionally it is found in open areas in submontane and montane life zones.[3]

Diet

Like other species of mussurana, it is known to feed on other snakes.[3]

Reproduction

It is oviparous (egg-laying).[3]

References

  1. ↑ "Clelia scytalina". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Reptarium. Clelia scytalina (Cope, 1867) at the Reptile Database. Consulted: 22 April 2012.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Muñoz Chacón, Federico. (2000) Clelia scytalina (Cope, 1867). INBio (Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad), Costa Rica. Consulted: 22 April 2012.

External links

Further reading