Tropidonophis mcdowelli

Tropidonophis mcdowelli, also known commonly as the northern New Guinea keelback, is a species of snake in the subfamily Natricinae of the family Colubridae. The species is native to northern New Guinea in both Papua New Guinea and Western New Guinea.^[1][2]

Tropidonophis mcdowelli
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Colubridae
Genus:	Tropidonophis
Species:	T. mcdowelli
Binomial name
Tropidonophis mcdowelli Malnate & Underwood, 1988

Etymology

Its specific name, mcdowelli, is in honor of American herpetologist Samuel B. McDowell.^[3]: 173

Description

Tropidonophis mcdowelli has pits on the head shields anterior to the parietals. It also has a high number of subcaudals, 75–95.^[2]

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of Tropidonophis mcdowelli is lowland and montane rainforest at elevations of 579–1,885 m (1,900–6,184 ft) above sea level in association with watercourses.^[1]

Diet

Tropidonophis mcdowelli preys predominately upon frogs.^[1]

Reproduction

Tropidonophis mcdowelli is oviparous.^[2]