Tropidophis xanthogaster
Tropidophis xanthogaster, also known commonly as the Guanahacabibes dwarf boa and the Guanahacabibes trope, is a species of snake in the family Tropidophiidae (dwarf boas). The species is endemic to the Guanahacabibes Peninsula, in the province of Pinar del Río, western Cuba.
| Guanahacabibes dwarf boa | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Tropidophiidae |
| Genus: | Tropidophis |
| Species: | T. xanthogaster |
| Binomial name | |
| Tropidophis xanthogaster | |
Etymology
The specific name, xanthogaster, from Greek xantho- (yellow) and gaster (venter), refers to the yellow underside of this species.[2]
Habitat
The preferred natural habitat of T. xanthogaster is forest with shaded rocky areas and caves, at elevations up to 25 m (82 ft).[1]
Description
Dorsally, T. xanthogaster is grayish-brown with eight rows of dark brown spots. Ventrally, it is yellow. It may attain a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of about 24 cm (9.4 in).[2]
Reproduction
T. xanthogaster is ovoviviparous.[2]
References
- Fong A (2019). "Tropidophis xanthogaster". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: https://dx.doi.org/10.1305/IUCN.UK.2019-2.RLTS.T75606708A75608099.en. Accessed on 27 February 2023.
- Species Tropidophis xanthogaster at The Reptile Database www.reptile-database.com.
Further reading
- Domínguez M, Moreno LV, Hedges SB (2006). "A new snake of the genus Tropidophis (Tropidophiidae) from the Guanahacabibes Peninsula of western Cuba". Amphibia-Reptilia 27: 427-432. (Tropidophis xanthogaster, new species).