• Source: Philodryas chamissonis

Philodryas chamissonis, commonly known as the Chilean green racer and the Chilean long-tailed snake, is a species of moderately venomous opisthoglyphous (rear-fanged) snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to Chile.




Etymology


The specific name, chamissonis, is in honor of German botanist and poet Adelbert von Chamisso.




Geographic range


P. chamissonis has a large distribution in Chile, from Paposo to Valdivia.




Description


Usually, P. chamissonis is gray, with black and white longitudinal stripes on the body. It is a medium-sized snake, which usually reaches 1.4 m (4.6 ft) in total length (including tail).
The length of the tail is 25-28.5 % of the total length. There are 8 upper labials, the 4th and 5th entering the eye. The smooth dorsal scales are arranged in 19 rows at midbody. Ventrals 179-225; anal plate divided; subcaudals 100-122.




Habitat


P. chamissonis lives in a large variety of habitats, at altitudes from sea level to 2,300 m (7,500 ft).




Diet



The diet of P. chamissonis is mainly composed of little rodents, birds, amphibians, and other smaller reptiles. For example, it especially preys upon lizards of the genus Liolaemus.




Reproduction


P. chamissonis is an oviparous reptile.




Venom


Because P. chamissonis is rarely found, bites by it are uncommon. However, its bite is painful and causes extensive swelling.




References






Further reading


Freiberg M (1982). Snakes of South America. Hong Kong: T.F.H. Publications. 189 pp. ISBN 0-87666-912-7. (Dromicus chamissonis, p. 95).
Wiegmann AFA (1835). "Beiträge zur Zoologie, Gesammelt auf einer Reise um die Erde. Siebente Abhandlung. Amphibien ". Nova Acta Physico-Medica Academiae Caesareae Leopoldino-Carolinae Naturae Curiosorum (Wrocław and Bonn) 17: 185-268 + Plates XIII-XXII. (Coronella chamissonis, new species, pp. 246–250 + Plate XIX). (in German and Latin).

Kata Kunci Pencarian:

• Philodryas chamissonis
• Philodryas
• Adelbert von Chamisso
• Philodryas olfersii
• Liolaemus tenuis
• List of snakes by scientific name
• Liolaemus chiliensis
• IUCN Red List data deficient species (Chordata)
• Nonguén National Park
• List of least concern reptiles