Tantilla insulamontana, the mountain centipede snake, is a species of snake of the family Colubridae.[1][3] The snake is found only in Ecuador.[1][3] It is known as a critically endangered species but new data suggests there are improvements and they may now be considered endangered.[2]
| Tantilla insulamontana | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Tantilla |
| Species: | T. insulamontana
|
| Binomial name | |
| Tantilla insulamontana Wilson & Mena, 1980
| |
Distribution and habitat edit
The distribution of this species is endemic to a small portion of southern Ecuador that is estimated to be about 1,069km2 area that is located in the xeric inter-Andean valley.[2] As of now, the Mountain Centipede-Snake has only been found in three provinces: El Oro, Loja, and Azuay.[2] The altitudinal zonation is western subtropical and western temperate. The altitude range is 1250–2100 meters above sea level.[2]
Although rarely seen, these snakes have been seen during the months of December through April which constitutes Ecuador's rainy season.[2]
Anatomy and morphology edit
It has ben reported that the total length from the snout to the tip of the tail is a total length of 40cm. Females have an average length of 40.4cm while males max out at about 24.9cm.[2]The tail averages 25% of the body length.[4]
Characteristics that present themselves is there is being a dark head cap and a pale lateral stripe. There are 59 to 65 subcaudal scales as well as 144 to 157 ventral's. Juveniles are slightly darker than the adult.[2]
Etymology edit
The family of snakes known as Colubridae are small bodied snakes and is where the Latin genus name, "Tantilla" is derived from, meaning "small"[2]. The species name, "insulamontana" which references insula meaning "island" and montis meaning "mountain".[2]
Diet edit
There is no published information about the diet but it is suggested they prey on centipedes as do other members of the genus.[2]
Conservation edit
Once considered critically endangered when assessed in 2014,[1] new data suggests that the mountain centipede snake has made a small comeback and is now endangered.[2]
This snake has been impacted heavily by humans. Agriculture, the expansion of infrastructure, and livestock grazing are some of the main setbacks for this species that have caused them to be listed as Endangered.[1][2]
References edit
- ^ a b c d e Arteaga-Navarro, A.; Yánez-Muñoz, M.; Valencia, J.; Cisneros-Heredia, D.F. (2017). "Tantilla insulamontana". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T203317A2763862. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T203317A2763862.en. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Mountain Centipede-Snake (Tantilla insulamontana)". Reptiles of Ecuador. Retrieved 2024-04-29.
- ^ a b Tantilla insulamontana at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 3 May 2024.
- ^ Wilson, Larry David; McCranie, James R. (1999). "The systematic status of Honduran populations of the Tantilla taeniata group (Serpentes: Colubridae), with notes on other populations". Amphibia-Reptilia. 20 (3): 326–329. doi:10.1163/156853899X00349. ISSN 0173-5373.