Langaha pseudoalluaudi
| Langaha pseudoalluaudi | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Pseudoxyrhophiidae |
| Genus: | Langaha |
| Species: | L. pseudoalluaudi
|
| Binomial name | |
| Langaha pseudoalluaudi Domergue, 1988
| |
Langaha pseudoalluaudi, also known as the Ambilobe leaf-nosed snake, is one of three species within the genus Langaha. The Ambilobe leaf-nosed snake is the least common and least understood within the genus. They are known for having a leaf-like nasal protrusion and being extremely cryptic.
Description
[edit]Langaha pseudoalluaudi is a non-venomous, relatively large, arboreal snake with a unique nasal appendage protruding from their nose.[1] They are a grey/brown/tan color with lighter colored banding along the whole body.[1][2][3] From one account, the total length for a female was 1260mm (4.13ft) and the total length for a male was 1275mm (4.18ft).[4]
The unique nasal appendage acts as camouflage and causes the snakes' head to look like a twig or rotten stump when viewed from the front.[2] The supraocular scales are enlarged and horn-like, adding to the complexity of their camouflage.[1][2] Prey items are likely not able to distinguish L. pseudoalluaudi from twigs when they are approached by the snake.[2]
Ambilobe leaf-nosed Snakes exhibit sexual dimorphism between males and females, particularly on the nasal protrusion. Females have a broader and flatter protrusion that is leaf-like in shape while males have a pointed spear-like protrusion.[2]
Distribution and habitat
[edit]Langaha pseudoalluaudi is regionally endemic to northwestern Madagascar, near the Ambilobe region.[1][2][4][5] Due to few encounters, the extent of the range is not well understood.
Ambilobe leaf-nosed snakes have been observed in and around dry deciduous forests and rainforests.[2][4] Specimens that have been found were on shrubby plants approximately 2-3 meters off the ground on the edge of forests, or crossing a path.[5][2] Scientists noted that the habitats were relatively open and at an altitude between 80-250 meters.[5][2]
Diet
[edit]There are no observations about what what L. pseudoalluaudi predates upon. However, a closely related snake species, Langaha madagascariensis, has been observed eating lizards and small mice.[3] It is hypothesized that L. pseudoalluadi would have a similar diet.[3]
Reproduction
[edit]Like others in its genus, L. pseudoalluaudi is oviparous. The only observation about reproductive output showed that a female had a clutch size of three eggs.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Domergue, Charles A. (1988). "Notes sur les serpents de la région malgache. VIII: Colubridae nouveaux". Bulletin du Muséum national d'histoire naturelle. Section A, Zoologie, biologie et écologie animales. 10.1: 135–146 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Kuchling, G (2003). "New record, range extension, and colouration in life of Langaha pseudoalluaudi". Salamandra-Bonn. 39 (3/4): 235–240 – via Salamandra.
- ^ a b c Glaw, F (1994). A Fieldguide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar (2nd ed.). Köln, Germany: Vences & Glaw Verlag. ISBN 9783929449037.
- ^ a b c Oninjatovo, Radonirina (2023). "Amphibians and Reptiles of the Montagne des Français: An Update of the Distribution and Regional Endemicity". Animals. 13 (21): 3361 – via MDPI.
- ^ a b c D'Cruze, N (2007). "The first comprehensive survey of amphibians and reptiles at Montagne des Français, Madagascar" (PDF). Herpetological Conservation and Biology. 2 (2): 87–99.
- ^ Cadle, J.E. (2009). "Sexual dimorphism and reproductive biology in the Malagasy snake genus Liopholidophis (Lamprophiidae: Pseudoxyrhophiinae)" (PDF). Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences. 60 (15): 493 – via Research Gate.