|
Xenocalamus sabiensis (Save quill-snouted snake)
Saveskerpneusslang; Savespitneusslang [Afrikaans]
Life >
Eukaryotes
>
Opisthokonta >
Metazoa
(animals) > Bilateria > Deuterostomia >
Chordata >
Craniata > Vertebrata (vertebrates) > Gnathostomata (jawed vertebrates) >
Teleostomi (teleost fish) > Osteichthyes (bony fish) > Class:
Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned fish) > Stegocephalia (terrestrial vertebrates) >
Tetrapoda
(four-legged vertebrates) > Reptiliomorpha > Amniota >
Reptilia (reptiles) >
Romeriida > Diapsida > Lepidosauromorpha > Lepidosauria >
Squamata > Serpentes
(snakes) > Family: Atractaspididae > Genus:
Xenocalamus
Identification
The Save Quill-snouted snake can be identified by the
following; its quill-shaped head, small eyes and its uniform black and yellow
colour. It grows to an average length of 40 cm and a maximum length of 51 cm.
Distribution and habitat
This snakes' distribution is restricted to small portion of
southern Mozambique. Its favoured habitat is alluvial sand.
Food
Predominately eats amphisbaenids.
Predators, parasites and disease
Eaten by other snakes.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying), lays between 3 and 4 eggs in
summer.
Longevity
Medical importance
Although venomous is no threat to man.
Links
References
-
Broadley, D.G. 1983. FitzSimons' Snakes of Southern
Africa. Delta Books, Johannesburg.
-
Marais, J. 2004. A Complete Guide to Snakes of Southern Africa.
Struik Publishing, Cape Town.
|
