Rhinophis saffragamus, the large shieldtail snake, is a species of snake in the family Uropeltidae, which is endemic to the island of Sri Lanka. No subspecies are currently recognized.
| Rhinophis saffragamus | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Uropeltidae |
| Genus: | Rhinophis |
| Species: | R. saffragamus
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| Binomial name | |
| Rhinophis saffragamus (Kelaart, 1853)
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| Synonyms | |
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Geographic range edit
It is found in Sri Lanka in central and southern Uva and Sabaragamuwa Provinces. Vertical range is from near sea level to 900 m elevation.
The type locality given is "Philippinschen Inseln": in error, according to M.A. Smith (1943).[1]
Taxonomy edit
It is also mentioned in the synonymy of Ramphotyphlops, a genus of blind snakes, but then as a name proposed by Fitzinger in 1843. However, at the time this name was already preoccupied by Schlegel's Pseudo-typhlops (1839).[1]
References edit
- ^ a b c McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
External links edit
- Rhinophis saffragamus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 30 August 2007.
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