Dipsadoboa aulica
Dipsadoboa aulica | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Serpentes |
Family: | Colubridae |
Genus: | Dipsadoboa |
Species: | D. aulica
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Binomial name | |
Dipsadoboa aulica (Günther, 1864)
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Synonyms[2] | |
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Dipsadoboa aulica, commonly known as the marbled tree snake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to Africa, and is mildly venomous to humans. [3]
Geographic range
[edit]D. aulica is found in Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.[2]
Description
[edit]D. aulica is a slender-bodied snake. Males may attain a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 66 cm (26 in). Females are slightly smaller, growing to 63 cm (25 in) SVL. The smooth dorsal scales are arranged in 17 rows at midbody.[4]
Behavior
[edit]D. aulicus, is nocturnal and arboreal, hiding during the day in tree cavities or under bark.[4]
Diet
[edit]D. aulica preys primarily upon tree frogs and geckos, but will also eat toads, skinks, and small rodents.[4]
Reproduction
[edit]D. aulica, like all species in the genus Dipsadoboa, is oviparous. In midsummer sexually mature females lay 7-8 eggs. The eggs measure on average 25.5 x 11.5 mm (about 1 x 0.5 inch). Hatchlings measure on average 18 cm (about 7 inches) in total length (including tail).[4]
References
[edit]- ^ Alexander, G.J.; Tolley, K.A. (2021). "Dipsadoboa aulica". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T13265170A13265180. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-2.RLTS.T13265170A13265180.en. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
- ^ a b Species Dipsadoboa aulica at The Reptile Database
- ^ "Marbled Tree Snake - ASI".
- ^ a b c d Branch, Bill (2004). Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Third Revised edition, Second impression. Sanibel Island, Florida: Ralph Curtis Books. 399 pp. ISBN 0-88359-042-5. (Dipsadoboa aulica, p. 98 + Plate 31).
Further reading
[edit]- Boulenger GA (1896). Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History). Volume III., Containing the Colubridæ (Opisthoglyphæ and Proteroglyphæ) ... London: Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, printers). xiv + 727 pp. + Plates I-XXV. (Chamætortus aulicus, pp. 98–99).
- Günther A (1864). "Report on a Collection of Reptiles and Fishes made by Dr. Kirk in the Zambesi and Nyassa Regions". Proc. Zool. Soc. London 1864: 303–314. (Chamætortus aulicus, new species, p. 310 + Plate XXVI, figure 2).