Plagiopholis_styani

<i>Plagiopholis styani</i>

Plagiopholis styani

Species of snake

Plagiopholis styani, also known by the common name Chinese mountain snake, is a species of colubrid snake. Its type locality is Kuatun (Guadun in modern spelling: Chinese: 挂墩; pinyin: guàdūn) in Wuyishan, Fujian.[2] It is found in southern and central China, Taiwan, and northern Vietnam.[1] It is an uncommon species,[1] and very rare in Taiwan. It is named after Frederick William Styan, a Shanghai-based English tea merchant and ornithologist.[3][4]

Quick Facts Plagiopholis styani, Conservation status ...

Description

Plagiopholis styani is a small non-venomous snake, reaching a total length (including tail) of up to 40 cm (16 in). Its upper head, body and tail are red-brown, olive-brown, or green-brown, with flecks of pink or black pigment on each scale, especially for those on the flanks of body. The upper body and tail have a spotted pattern of black or light yellow. There is a dark and thick cross band on nape, reflected in its Chinese name, Fujian neck-blotched snake (Chinese: 福建頸斑蛇).[3]

Habitat and ecology

Plagiopholis styani occurs in areas of montane and bamboo forest, including caves.[1] It is a nocturnal snake that eats mainly earthworms and arthropods. It uses its head to burrow. Females produce clutches of 5–11 eggs in summer.[3]

References

  1. [1]
    Vogel, G.; Guo, P.; Lau, M.; Li, P. (2012). "Plagiopholis styani". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012: e.T177442A1486765. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T177442A1486765.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  2. [2]
    Plagiopholis styani at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 10 June 2014.
  3. [3]
    Breuer, Hans; Murphy, William Christopher (2009–2010). "Plagiopholis styani ". Snakes of Taiwan.
  4. [4]
    Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Plagiopholis styani, p. 258).

Further reading

  • Boulenger GA (1899). "On a Collection of Reptiles and Batrachians made by Mr. J. D. La Touche in N.W. Fokien, China". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1899: 159-172 + Plates XVI-XIX. (Trirhinopholis styani, new species, pp. 145–165 + Plate XVIII, figures 2, 2a).
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