Micropisthodon

Micropisthodon
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Pseudoxyrhophiidae
Genus:	Micropisthodon Mocquard, 1894
Species:	M. ochraceus
Binomial name
Micropisthodon ochraceus Mocquard, 1894[2]

Micropisthodon is a monotypic genus[3] created for the poorly-known rear-fanged snake species, Micropisthodon ochraceus,[4] found in eastern Madagascar.[1] No subspecies are currently recognized.[4]

Description

Maximum recorded length is 70 cm (28 in). Back is brownish, with alternating dark and light areas, and the dark areas sometimes forming chevrons. Dentition is apparently aglyphous. Pupils are circular.[5]

The species is oviparous.[4] One dissected female contained 10 small eggs.[5]

Habitat and conservation

Micropisthodon ochraceus lives in low-elevation humid forest at elevations of 10–950 m (33–3,117 ft) above sea level, perhaps higher; it does not occur in disturbed habitats. It is arboreal.[1]

It is a locally common species, but the population is probably declining because of habitat loss and degradation caused by open cast mining, conversion of land for agriculture, and logging. It occurs in several protected areas.[1]

References

1. Vences, M.; Ramanamanjato, J.-B.; Randriamahazo, H.; Raselimanana, A. (2011). "Micropisthodon ochraceus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2011: e.T172931A6943611. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T172931A6943611.en.
2. Mocquard F. 1894. "Reptiles nouveaux ou insuffisamment connus de Madagascar ". Compte Rendu Sommaire des Séances de la Société Philomatique de Paris 17: 1-8. ("Micropisthodon, n. g.", p. 7; "Micropisthodon ochraceus, n. sp.", pp. 8).(PDF)
3. Micropisthodon at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database
4. Micropisthodon ochraceus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 28 May 2016.
5. Glaw, Frank; Vences, Miguel (2007). A Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar (3 ed.). Köln: M. Vences & F. Glaw Verlags GbR. ISBN 978-3-929449-03-7.