genus
Genus ( plural genera ) is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of extant taxon, living and fossil organisms as well as Virus classification#ICTV classification, viruses. In the hierarchy of biological classification, genus com ...
of snakes of the
family
Family (from la, familia) is a Social group, group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or Affinity (law), affinity (by marriage or other relationship). The purpose of the family is to maintain the well-being of its ...
Homalopsidae
The Homalopsidae are a family of snakes which contains about 28 genus, genera and more than 50 species. They are commonly known as Indo-Australian water snakes, mudsnakes, or bockadams. They are also known as ''ular air'' (lit. "water snake") in ...
. The genus is restricted to South East Asia and includes five currently recognized species. Like all members of the family Homalopsidae, ''Homalopsis'' are rear-fanged and mildly venomous, though considered harmless to humans.
Habitat
''Homalopsis'' are a freshwater aquatic species that are found in a wide range of habitats including ponds, rivers, flowing streams, swamps, marshes and other wetlands. Human disturbance and activity does not seem to hinder this species as much as others and can be actively found in disturbed habitat such as man-made drainage ditches and irrigated agriculture fields.Murphy, John C. 2007. Homalopsid Snakes: Evolution in the Mud. Krieger Publishing, Malabar, Florida, 249 pp.
Behavior
This species is nocturnal and can be found in muddy bank holes or burrows during the day. It feeds primarily on fish but may also eat anurans and possibly crustaceans.
Reproduction
''Homalopsis'' are viviparous giving birth to live young.
Species
There are five species:
* ''
Homalopsis buccata
''Homalopsis buccata'' (puff-faced water snake or masked water snake) is a species of mildly venomous snake in the Homalopsidae family found in tropical areas of Southeast Asia.
Description
Upper labials 1–4 contact single loreal; two pre ...
'' (Linnaeus, 1758)
* ''
Homalopsis hardwickii
''Homalopsis'' is a genus of snakes of the family Homalopsidae. The genus is restricted to South East Asia and includes five currently recognized species. Like all members of the family Homalopsidae, ''Homalopsis'' are rear-fanged and mildly veno ...
'' Gray, 1842
* ''
Homalopsis mereljcoxi
''Homalopsis'' is a genus of snakes of the family Homalopsidae. The genus is restricted to South East Asia and includes five currently recognized species. Like all members of the family Homalopsidae, ''Homalopsis'' are rear-fanged and mildly veno ...