Leptophis modestus

Leptophis modestus, commonly known as the cloud forest parrot snake,^[3] is a species of medium-sized slender snake of the family Colubridae. It is endemic to Mesoamerica. There are currently no recognized subspecies.^[4]

Leptophis modestus
Conservation status
Vulnerable  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Colubridae
Genus:	Leptophis
Species:	L. modestus
Binomial name
Leptophis modestus (Günther, 1872)
Synonyms
Ahætulla modesta Günther, 1872 Philothamnus modestus — Cope, 1886 Leptophis modestus — Boulenger, 1894[2]

Geographic range

It can be found in southern Mexico, central Guatemala, northwestern El Salvador and southwestern Honduras.^[1]

Description

The type specimen of Leptophis modestus is 130 cm (51 in) in total length, with a tail 54 cm (21 in) long.^[2]

Dorsally, it is olive-green. There is a blackish streak behind each eye, and the lips and throat are yellowish. Ventrally, it is pale green.^[2]

The dorsal scales are arranged in 15 rows at midbody, strongly keeled except for the first row (adjacent to the ventrals) and on the tail.^[2]

Ventrals 171; anal plate divided; subcaudals 171, divided.^[2][5]

Habitat

L. modestus is an inhabitant of the cloud forests of Mesoamerica.

Conservation status

It is currently considered a threatened species. Habitat loss due to deforestation has led to a decrease in population numbers.^[1]