Langaha pseudoalluaudi

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Langaha pseudoalluaudi
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Pseudoxyrhophiidae
Genus: Langaha
Species:
L. pseudoalluaudi
Binomial name
Langaha pseudoalluaudi
Domergue, 1988

Langaha pseudoalluaudi, also known as the Ambilobe leaf-nosed snake, is one of three species within the genus Langaha . The Ambilobe leaf-nosed snake is the least common and least understood within the genus. They are known for having a leaf-like nasal protrusion and being extremely cryptic.

Contents

Description

Langaha pseudoalluaudi is a non-venomous, relatively large, arboreal snake with a unique nasal appendage protruding from their nose. [1] They are a grey/brown/tan color with lighter colored banding along the whole body. [1] [2] [3] From one account, the total length for a female was 1260mm (4.13ft) and the total length for a male was 1275mm (4.18ft). [4]

The unique nasal appendage acts as camouflage and causes the snakes' head to look like a twig or rotten stump when viewed from the front. [2] The supraocular scales are enlarged and horn-like, adding to the complexity of their camouflage. [1] [2] Prey items are likely not able to distinguish L. pseudoalluaudi from twigs when they are approached by the snake. [2]

Ambilobe leaf-nosed Snakes exhibit sexual dimorphism between males and females, particularly on the nasal protrusion. Females have a broader and flatter protrusion that is leaf-like in shape while males have a pointed spear-like protrusion. [2]

Distribution and habitat

Langaha pseudoalluaudi is regionally endemic to northwestern Madagascar, near the Ambilobe region. [1] [2] [4] [5] Due to few encounters, the extent of the range is not well understood.

Ambilobe leaf-nosed snakes have been observed in and around dry deciduous forests and rainforests. [2] [4] Specimens that have been found were on shrubby plants approximately 2-3 meters off the ground on the edge of forests, or crossing a path. [5] [2] Scientists noted that the habitats were relatively open and at an altitude between 80-250 meters. [5] [2]

Diet

There are no observations about what what L. pseudoalluaudi predates upon. However, a closely related snake species, Langaha madagascariensis , has been observed eating lizards and small mice. [3] It is hypothesized that L. pseudoalluadi would have a similar diet. [3]

Reproduction

Like others in its genus, L. pseudoalluaudi is oviparous. The only observation about reproductive output showed that a female had a clutch size of three eggs. [6]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Domergue, Charles A. (1988). "Notes sur les serpents de la région malgache. VIII: Colubridae nouveaux". Bulletin du Muséum national d'histoire naturelle. Section A, Zoologie, biologie et écologie animales. 10.1: 135–146 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Kuchling, G (2003). "New record, range extension, and colouration in life of Langaha pseudoalluaudi". Salamandra-Bonn. 39 (3/4): 235–240 – via Salamandra.
  3. 1 2 3 Glaw, F (1994). A Fieldguide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar (2nd ed.). Köln, Germany: Vences & Glaw Verlag. ISBN   9783929449037.
  4. 1 2 3 Oninjatovo, Radonirina (2023). "Amphibians and Reptiles of the Montagne des Français: An Update of the Distribution and Regional Endemicity". Animals. 13 (21): 3361 – via MDPI.
  5. 1 2 3 D'Cruze, N (2007). "The first comprehensive survey of amphibians and reptiles at Montagne des Français, Madagascar" (PDF). Herpetological Conservation and Biology. 2 (2): 87–99.
  6. ↑ Cadle, J.E. (2009). "Sexual dimorphism and reproductive biology in the Malagasy snake genus Liopholidophis (Lamprophiidae: Pseudoxyrhophiinae)" (PDF). Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences. 60 (15): 493 – via Research Gate.
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