Chironius carinatus

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Chironius carinatus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Colubridae
Genus: Chironius
Species:
C. carinatus
Binomial name
Chironius carinatus
Synonyms

Chironius carinatus, commonly known as the Amazon coachwhip, is a long and slender, nonvenomous colubrid snake.

Geographic range

It is endemic to the regions of Colombia, northern Brazil, Costa Rica, eastern Venezuela, northern Suriname, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.

Description

Chironius carinatus may grow to 3 meters (9.8 feet) in length. Their body color can range from brown to deep yellow or gold, with the tail being generally darker than the body. The belly is often a bright shade of yellow or orange. In most specimens, body scales have lightly colored centers with darker edges. A light colored stripe runs down the length of the body, fading at the tail. The dorsal scales are in 12 rows.[2]

Diet

It feeds on frogs (especially hylids), lizards, mice and birds.[3][4]

References

  1. ^ Arredondo, J.C.; Caicedo, J.R.; Gutierrez, P.; Rivas, G.; Gonzales, L.; Hoogmoed, M.S.; Cisneros-Heredia, D.F.; Gagliardi, G.; Nogueira, C. de C.; Murphy, J. (2021). "Chironius carinatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T44580082A44580089. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T44580082A44580089.en. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  2. ^ Boulenger, G.A. 1894. Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History), Volume II. London. pp. 73-75.
  3. ^ Chironius carinatus (Machete Savane) The Online Guide to the Animals of Trinidad and Tobago
  4. ^ "The Herpetology of Trinidad and Tobago: Machete Savane, Chironius carinatus (Family Colubridae)". 9 July 2017.

Boos, Hans E.A. (2001). The snakes of Trinidad and Tobago. Texas A&M University Press, College Station, TX. ISBN 1-58544-116-3.