Rhinophis erangaviraji, also known commonly as Eranga Viraj's shieldtail snake, is a species of snake in the family Uropeltidae. The species is endemic to Sri Lanka, where it was discovered in the Rakwana area of Matara District.[2]
The preferred natural habitats of R. erangaviraji are forest and grassland, at altitudes of 900–1,300 m (3,000–4,300 ft), but it has also been found in disturbed areas such as tea plantations and home gardens.[1]
The species R. erangaviraji is easily distinguished from other shieldtails in Sri Lanka through color variations. The head is black, with yellow irregular spots. The eyes are black. The body is black dorsally, with some yellow irregular patches. The ventral surface is cream-colored, with a stripe running along the vent region. The tail shield is black with small spines on it, which help to gather sand particles. Juveniles are similar to adults, but with a darker head and a paler body.
The largest paratype specimen has a snout-to-vent length of 29 cm (11 in).[2]
R. erangaviraji is terrestrial and fossorial, burrowing as deep as 1 m (3.3 ft) in loose soil.[1]
Mating of R. erangaviraji may occur during July and August, as juveniles can be seen from October to January.
The specific name, erangaviraji, is in honor of Sri Lankan zoologist Eranga Viraj Dayarathne, who was an Instructor of the Reptiles group of the Young Zoologists’ Association of Sri Lanka, and Department of National Zoological Gardens.[2][3]
Rhinophis erangaviraji, also known commonly as Eranga Viraj's shieldtail snake, is a species of snake in the family Uropeltidae. The species is endemic to Sri Lanka, where it was discovered in the Rakwana area of Matara District.
Rhinophis erangaviraji est une espèce de serpents de la famille des Uropeltidae[1].
Cette espèce est endémique des monts Rakwana au Sri Lanka[1].
Rhinophis erangaviraji mesure environ 30 cm[1].
Son nom d'espèce lui a été donné en l'honneur de Eranga Viraj Dayarathne, un moniteur du Reptiles group of the Young Zoologists’ Association au Department of National Zoological Gardens.
Rhinophis erangaviraji est une espèce de serpents de la famille des Uropeltidae.
Rhinophis erangaviraji là một loài rắn trong họ Uropeltidae. Loài này được Wickramasinghe Vidanapathirana, Wickramasinghe & Ranwella mô tả khoa học đầu tiên năm 2009.[1]
Bài viết liên quan đến bộ bò sát có vảy này vẫn còn sơ khai. Bạn có thể giúp Wikipedia bằng cách mở rộng nội dung để bài được hoàn chỉnh hơn. Rhinophis erangaviraji là một loài rắn trong họ Uropeltidae. Loài này được Wickramasinghe Vidanapathirana, Wickramasinghe & Ranwella mô tả khoa học đầu tiên năm 2009.
