From Wikipedia - Reading time: 5 min
| Erythrolamprus cobella | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Erythrolamprus |
| Species: | E. cobella
|
| Binomial name | |
| Erythrolamprus cobella | |
| Synonyms | |
Erythrolamprus cobella, commonly known as the mangrove snake, is a species of small semi-aquatic snake, which is endemic to South America.[4]
It is found in northern South America east of the Andes,[5] in the Guianas, eastern Venezuela, and Trinidad and Tobago.[6]
Adults may attain a total length of 73 cm (29 in), which includes a tail 12.5 cm (4.9 in) long.[7]
Dorsally, it is black or dark brown with white crossbands. Ventrally it is red with black crossbands. The upper labials are white or yellowish.[7]
There are 8 upper labials, the 4th and 5th entering the eye. The dorsal scales, which are smooth and without apical pits, are arranged in 17 rows at midbody. Ventrals 143–163; anal plate divided; subcaudals 45–57, also divided (in two rows).[7]
It lives in lowland rainforest river floodplains and coastal mangrove swamps.[6]
It feeds on frogs, geckos, and fish.[6]