Tropidophis melanurus | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Serpentes |
Family: | Tropidophiidae |
Genus: | Tropidophis |
Species: | T. melanurus
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Binomial name | |
Tropidophis melanurus (Schlegel, 1837)
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Synonyms[2] | |
Tropidophis melanurus, commonly known as the dusky dwarf boa,[3] Cuban wood snake, or Cuban giant dwarf boa, is a nonvenomous dwarf boa species found mainly in Cuba. There are three subspecies that are recognized as being valid, including the nominate subspecies described here.[3]
Adults of T. melanurus grow to an average of 32 to 39 inches (81 to 99 cm) in total length (including tail).[4]
T. melanurus is found in Cuba, as well as on some nearby islands, including Cayos de San Felipe (Cayo Real), Isla de la Juventud and Navassa Island. The type locality given is "l'île de Cuba."[2]
T. melanurus preys upon amphibians (frogs), reptiles (lizards), birds, and mammals (rodents).[1]
The mode of reproduction of T. melanurus is unclear: it has been described as oviparous,[1] and as ovoviviparous.[5]
Subspecies[3] | Taxon author[3] | Common name | Geographic range |
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Tropidophis melanurus dysodes | Schwartz & Thomas, 1960 | Type locality: "one km N. of La Coloma, Pinar del Río Province, Cuba. | |
Tropidophis melanurus ericksoni | Schwartz & Thomas, 1960 | Type locality: "Bibijagua, Isla de Piños, Habana Province, Cuba." | |
Tropidophis melanurus melanurus | (Schlegel, 1837) | Type locality: "l'île de Cuba." |
The subspecific name, ericksoni, is in honor of Edwin B. Erickson who assisted Schwartz in fieldwork in 1957.[6]