Tropidophis xanthogaster

Tropidophis xanthogaster, also known commonly as the Guanahacabibes dwarf boa and the Guanahacabibes trope, is a species of snake in the family Tropidophiidae (dwarf boas). The species is endemic to the Guanahacabibes Peninsula, in the province of Pinar del Río, western Cuba.

Guanahacabibes dwarf boa
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Tropidophiidae
Genus:	Tropidophis
Species:	T. xanthogaster
Binomial name
Tropidophis xanthogaster Domínguez, Moreno & Hedges, 2006

Etymology

The specific name, xanthogaster, from Greek xantho- (yellow) and gaster (venter), refers to the yellow underside of this species.^[2]

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of T. xanthogaster is a forest with shaded rocky areas and caves, at elevations up to 25 m (82 ft).^[1]

Description

Dorsally, T. xanthogaster is grayish-brown with eight rows of dark brown spots. Ventrally, it is yellow. It may attain a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of about 24 cm (9.4 in).^[2]

Reproduction

T. xanthogaster is ovoviviparous.^[2]