Canthus rostralis

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The canthus or more precisely the canthus rostralis is the angle between the flat top of the head and the sides of the head between the eyes and the tip of the snout in snakes and lizards. It is also the angle between the super-ocular shields and the rostral of the snake. The canthus is an important feature for the description and differentiation of snake species and higher taxa , for example it is very steep in many real vipers (Viperinae) while it is clearly rounded in most rattlesnakes ( Crotalus ).

In amphibians , Canthus rostralis is the name given to the edge of the snout, ie the more or less sharp, lateral projection of the snout from its tip to the forehead. It is the safest reference point for identifying the position of the nostrils.

literature

  • D. Mallow, D. Ludwig, G. Nilson: True Vipers. Natural History and Toxicology of Old World Vipers . Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, Florida 2003, ISBN 0-89464-877-2 .
  • JG Wagler: Natural system of amphibians with previous classification of mammals and birds . JG Cotta'sche Buchhandlung, Munich / Stuttgart / Tübingen 1830.