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Tropidonophis mairii
Species of snake From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Tropidonophis mairii, also known commonly as Mair's keelback,[2] the common keelback,[1] and the freshwater snake,[3]: 566 is a species of colubrid snake in the subfamily Natricinae. The species is native to Australasia.
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Etymology
The specific name, mairii, is in honor of "Dr. Mair", an army surgeon with the 39th Regiment of Foot, who collected the holotype.[4]
Geographic range
Tropidonophis mairii is found in Australia, Indonesia, New Guinea, and Papua New Guinea.[2]
Habitat
The preferred natural habitats of Tropidonophis mairii are forest, grassland, and freshwater wetlands, at altitudes from sea level to 50 m (160 ft).[1]
Description
Dorsally, Tropidonophis mairii is olive, brown, or blackish, with small black spots, or with black crossbars anteriorly. Ventrally, it is lighter. The subcaudals and often also the ventrals are edged with black. The dorsal scales are strongly keeled, and arranged in 15 rows at midbody.[5]
It resembles the Australian venomous rough-scaled snake (Tropidechis carinatus).[3]: 566–567
T. mairii rarely grows over 1 m (39 in) in total length (tail included).[3]: 566–567
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Behavior
Tropidonophis mairii is diurnal and nocturnal, arboreal, semi-aquatic, and terrestrial.[1]
Diet
Mair's keelback preys mainly on frogs, but also eats small fishes, lizards, and mammals.[1] It is one of the few snakes that can eat cane toads (Rhinella marina), up to a certain size, without being harmed.[6]
Reproduction
References
Further reading
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