Rhinophis punctatus

Rhinophis punctatus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Uropeltidae
Genus: Rhinophis
Species:
R. punctatus
Binomial name
Rhinophis punctatus

Rhinophis punctatus, or Müller's earth snake, is a species of snake in the Uropeltidae family. It is endemic to the island of Sri Lanka.[2][3]

Description

Yellowish dorsally and ventrally, each scale with a blackspot. However, the scales of the rows adjoining the vertebral row lack spots.

Adults may attain a total length of 39 cm (15+1⁄4 in).

Scalation very similar to Rhinophis oxyrhynchus. Differs in having a more slender body (diameter 47 to 49 times in total length) and a higher number of ventrals (236-246).[4]

References

  1. ↑ Wickramasinghe, L.J.M.; Wickramasinghe, N. (2021). "Rhinophis punctatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021 e.T197171A123311922. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-2.RLTS.T197171A123311922.en. Retrieved 20 August 2026.
  2. ↑ Rhinophis punctatus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 19 March 2020.
  3. ↑ Bamaradeniya, Channa N.B. (2006). The Fauna of Sri Lanka: Status of Taxonomy, Research and Conservation. Colombo, Sri Lanka: IUCN.
  4. ↑ Boulenger, G.A. 1893. Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History). Volume I., Containing the Families...Uropeltidæ... Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). London. p. 141.

Further reading

  • Müller, J.P. 1832. Beiträge zur Anatomie und Naturgeschichte der Amphibien. Zeitschrift für Physiologie. Band 4. pp. 190–275, Plates XVIII-XXII. (Rhinophis punctata [sic], p. 248, Plate XXI, Figures 1-3).