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Macrelaps Microlepidotus
''Macrelaps'' (or Natal (region), Natal black snake) is a monotypic genus created for the rear-fanged (opisthoglyphous) venomous snake species, ''M. microlepidotus'', Endemism, endemic to South Africa. No subspecies are currently recognized. Description (diagnosis) of genus Maxillary short, with four moderately large teeth, followed by a very large grooved fang situated below the eye. Anterior mandibular teeth enlarged, third to fifth longest. Head small, not distinct from neck. Eye minute, with round pupil. Nasal divided. No loreal. No preocular. Prefrontal entering the eye. Body cylindrical; tail short. Dorsal scales smooth, without pits, in 25 or 27 rows. Ventrals rounded; subcaudals single. Description of species ''Macrelaps microlepidotus'' is completely black dorsally and ventrally. It may attain in total length, with a tail long. Smooth dorsal scales arranged in 25 or 27 rows. Ventrals 163–166; anal plate entire; subcaudals 37–48, also entire. Portion of rostral v ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Atractaspididae
The Atractaspididae (atractaspidids) are a family of venomous snakes found in Africa and the Middle East, commonly called mole vipers, stiletto snakes, or burrowing asps. Currently, 12 genera are recognized. Description This family includes many genera formerly classed in other families and subfamilies, on the basis of fang type. It includes fangless ( aglyphous), rear-fanged (opisthoglyphous), fixed-fanged (proteroglyphous), and viper-like (solenoglyphous) species. Early molecular and physiological data linking this subfamily to others were ambiguous and often contradictory, which means the taxonomy of this subfamily has been highly contentious. The nominate family, Atractaspididae, has itself been moved to and from other taxa, such as potentially forming a trichotomy with Elapidae and Colubridae, reinforcing the ambiguity of this subfamily. Geographic range This subfamily is found in Africa and the Middle East.Mehrtens JM. 1987. Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: St ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |