Parapistocalamus
Parapistocalamus is a genus of venomous snake in the family Elapidae.
| Parapistocalamus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Elapidae |
| Genus: | Parapistocalamus Roux, 1934 |
| Species: | P. hedigeri |
| Binomial name | |
| Parapistocalamus hedigeri Roux, 1934 | |
Species
The genus Parapistocalamus contains the sole species Parapistocalamus hedigeri, commonly known as Hediger's coral snake.[2]
Etymology
The specific name, hedigeri, is in honor of Swiss biologist Heini Hediger.[3]
Geographic range
P. hedigeri is found in Papua New Guinea.[2]
Description
P. hedigeri is a small slender snake. The average total length (including tail) is 30 centimetres (12 in), and the maximum recorded total length is 50 centimetres (20 in). The head is only slightly wider than the neck. The eye is small, and the pupil is round. The smooth dorsal scales are arranged in 15 rows at midbody. Dorsally, it is uniform brown, and ventrally it is yellowish. It may have a lighter collar.[4]
Behavior
P. hedigeri is crepuscular or nocturnal. It burrows in leaf litter and rotten logs.[4]
References
- Hamilton A, Allison A, Tallowin O (2011). "Parapistocalamus hedigeri ". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T177530A1491389.en.
- Parapistocalamus hedigeri at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 20 December 2016.
- 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. (Parapistocalamus hedigeri, p. 119).
- O'Shea, Mark (1996). A Guide to the Snakes of Papua New Guinea. Port Moresby: Independent Publishing. xii + 239 pp. ISBN 9980-916-96-6. (Parapistocalamus hedigeri, pp. 146-147 + Map 22).
Further reading
- Roux J (1934). "Contribution à la connaissance de la faune erpétologique des îles Salomon ". Verhandlungen der Naturforschenden Gesellschaft in Basel 45: 77–81. (Parapistocalamus hedigeri, new genus and species). (in French).