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Scolecophis

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Scolecophis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Colubridae
Genus: Scolecophis
Fitzinger, 1843
Species:
S. atrocinctus
Binomial name
Scolecophis atrocinctus
(Schlegel, 1837)

Scolecophis is a genus of snake in the family Colubridae that contains the sole species Scolecophis atrocinctus.[2] Its genus name is derived from Greek: skolex meaning a worm or grub and ophis meaning snake, referring to what it likes to eat. Its species name is derived from Latin ater meaning black and cingula meaning girdle referring to its physical appearance.[3] It is commonly known as the black-banded snake.

It is found in Central America.[1][4] It ranges from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.[3]

Their diet consists of invertebrates such as centipede, arachnids, worms, crickets, millipedes, and grubs.[3]

This snake reaches a length of 18–24 in. (45–60 cm.) It is black and white banded with red spots on the white bands down their spine from head to tail. They have tiny eyes and a flat head.

There is still a lot of unknown about this species.

References

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  1. ^ a b Lamar, W.; Köhler, G.; Wilson, L.D. (2014). "Scolecophis atrocinctus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2014: e.T203307A2763619. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-1.RLTS.T203307A2763619.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ^ Scolecophis at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 5 December 2016.
  3. ^ a b c Scolecophis atrocinctus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 21 February 2023.
  4. ^ Scolecophis atrocinctus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 5 December 2016.