Langaha madagascariensis

Langaha madagascariensis
Female L. madagascariensis
Conservation status

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Colubridae
Genus: Langaha
Species: L. madagascariensis
Binomial name
Langaha madagascariensis
Bonnaterre, 1790
Synonyms

Langaha nasuta Shaw, 1802

Langaha madagascariensis (formerly Langaha nasuta, commonly known as the Madagascar or Malagasy leaf-nosed snake) is a medium-sized highly cryptic arboreal species. It is endemic to Madagascar and found in deciduous dry forests and rain forests.[1] There is considerable sexual dimorphism within the species; the males are dorsally brown and ventrally yellow with a long tapering snout while the females are mottled grey with a leaf shaped snout.[2]

Malagasy leaf-nosed snake is largely a sit-and-wait predator. It may show curious resting behaviour, hanging straight down from a branch.[3]

Malagasy leaf-nosed snake is generally calm and reluctant to bite unless provoked. Envenomation by the snake causes severe pain in humans but is not deadly.[4]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Raxworthy, C.J. (2011). "Langaha madagascariensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 2 June 2013.
  2. ↑ Andrew Durso (February 7, 2013). "Malagasy Leaf-nosed Snakes". Life is Short, but Snakes are Long. Retrieved 2 June 2013.
  3. ↑ Tingle, Jessica L. (2012). "Field Observations on the behavioral ecology of the Madagascan leaf-nosed snake, Langaha madagascariensis". Herpetological Conservation and Biology 7 (3): 442–448.
  4. ↑ D'Cruze, Neil C. (2008). "Envenomation by the Malagasy colubrid snake Langaha madagascariensis". Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases 14 (3): 546–551. doi:10.1590/S1678-91992008000300014.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Langaha madagascariensis.

External links