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Philodryas chamissonis
Species of snake From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Philodryas chamissonis, commonly known as the Chilean green racer and the Chilean long-tailed snake, is a species of moderately venomous opisthoglyphous (rear-fanged) snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to Chile.[4]
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Etymology
The specific name, chamissonis, is in honor of German botanist and poet Adelbert von Chamisso.[2][5]
Geographic range
P. chamissonis has a large distribution in Chile, from Paposo to Valdivia.[1]
Description
Usually, P. chamissonis is gray, with black and white longitudinal stripes on the body. It is a medium-sized snake, which usually reaches 1.4 m (4.6 ft) in total length (including tail).[citation needed]
The length of the tail is 25-28.5 % of the total length. There are 8 upper labials, the 4th and 5th entering the eye. The smooth dorsal scales are arranged in 19 rows at midbody. Ventrals 179-225; anal plate divided; subcaudals 100-122.[6]
Habitat
P. chamissonis lives in a large variety of habitats, at altitudes from sea level to 2,300 m (7,500 ft).[1]
Diet
The diet of P. chamissonis is mainly composed of little rodents, birds, amphibians, and other smaller reptiles.[1] For example, it especially preys upon lizards of the genus Liolaemus.[1]
Reproduction
Venom
Because P. chamissonis is rarely found, bites by it are uncommon. However, its bite is painful and causes extensive swelling.[7]
References
Further reading
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