Mograbin diadem snake

The Mograbin diadem snake (Spalerosophis dolichospilus), also known commonly as Werner's diadem snake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to northwestern Africa.

Mograbin diadem snake
Conservation status
Data Deficient  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Colubridae
Genus:	Spalerosophis
Species:	S. dolichospilus
Binomial name
Spalerosophis dolichospilus (F. Werner, 1923)
Synonyms[2]
Zamenis diadema var. dolichospila F. Werner, 1923 Coluber diadema dolichospila — F. Werner, 1929 Spalerosophis diadema dolichospilus — Schmidt, 1930 Coluber choumowitchi Domergue, 1954 Spalerosophis dolichospilus — Pasteur, 1967

Geographic range

Spalerosophis dolichospilus is found in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia.^[3]

Habitat

The natural habitats of S. dolichospilus are subtropical or tropical, dry shrubland, rocky areas, arable land, and pastureland.^[1]

Etymology

The common name, Mograbin diadem snake, is derived from "Maghreb", meaning "west" in Arabic.

Description

Spalerosophis dolichospilus is usually about 120 cm (3.9 ft) in total length (including tail), but can reach 150 cm (4.9 ft). It is orange with circular spots of reddish or greenish brown.^[4]

Behavior

Spalerosophis dolichospilus is very agile and can move quickly over rocky substrates.^[4]

Reproduction

Spalerosophis dolichospilus is oviparous.^[2]