Dipsadoboa aulica
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. [2]
| Dipsadoboa aulica | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Dipsadoboa |
| Species: | D. aulica |
| Binomial name | |
| Dipsadoboa aulica (Günther, 1864) | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
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Geographic range
D. aulica is found in Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.[1]
Description
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.[3]
Behavior
D. aulicus, is nocturnal and arboreal, hiding during the day in tree cavities or under bark.[3]
Diet
D. aulica preys primarily upon tree frogs and geckos, but will also eat toads, skinks, and small rodents.[3]
Reproduction
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).[3]
References
- Species Dipsadoboa aulica at The Reptile Database
- https://www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com/snake/marbled-tree-snake/
- 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
- 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).