Xenocalamus transvaalensis

Xenocalamus transvaalensis is a species of venomous rear-fanged snake in the family Lamprophiidae. The species is endemic to Africa. There are no subspecies that are recognized as being valid.[2]

Xenocalamus transvaalensis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Lamprophiidae
Genus: Xenocalamus
Species:
X. transvaalensis
Binomial name
Xenocalamus transvaalensis
Methuen, 1919
Common names: Transvaal quill-snouted snake, Speckled quill-snouted snake

Geographic range

X. transvaalensis is found in Botswana, southern Mozambique, Republic of South Africa (former Northern Transvaal and former Zululand), and Zimbabwe.[3]

Description

X. transvaalensis is black dorsally, and white ventrally. Males may attain a total length (including tail) of 37 cm (14 1⁄2 in); females, 31.5 cm (12 3⁄8 in).[4]

Reproduction

In summer an adult female X. transvaalensis may lay two elongated eggs, 28 mm x 6 mm (1 1/16 in x 3/16 in).[4]

References
  1. Maritz B, Marais J (2018). "Xenocalamus transvaalensis ". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T23102A115653979. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T23102A115653979.en. Downloaded on 03 January 2019.
  2. "Xenocalamus transvaalensis ". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 17 August 2007.
  3. Species Xenocalamus transvaalensis at The Reptile Database . www.reptile-database.org.
  4. Branch, Bill (1998). Field Guide to the Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Cape Town: Struik Publishers. p. 64.

Further reading
  • Methuen PA (1919). "Descriptions of a new snake from the Transvaal, together with a new diagnosis and key of the genus Xenocalamus, and of some Batrachia from Madagascar". Proc. Zool. Soc. London 1919: 349–355. (Xenocalamus transvaalensis, new species).


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