- Source: Tropidophis xanthogaster
Tropidophis xanthogaster, also known commonly as the Guanahacabibes dwarf boa and the Guanahacabibes trope, is a species of snake in the family Tropidophiidae (dwarf boas). The species is endemic to the Guanahacabibes Peninsula, in the province of Pinar del Río, western Cuba.
Etymology
The specific name, xanthogaster, from Greek xantho- (yellow) and gaster (venter), refers to the yellow underside of this species.
Habitat
The preferred natural habitat of T. xanthogaster is forest with shaded rocky areas and caves, at elevations up to 25 m (82 ft).
Description
Dorsally, T. xanthogaster is grayish-brown with eight rows of dark brown spots. Ventrally, it is yellow. It may attain a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of about 24 cm (9.4 in).
Reproduction
T. xanthogaster is ovoviviparous.
References
Further reading
Domínguez M, Moreno LV, Hedges SB (2006). "A new snake of the genus Tropidophis (Tropidophiidae) from the Guanahacabibes Peninsula of western Cuba". Amphibia-Reptilia 27: 427-432. (Tropidophis xanthogaster, new species).
