Leptophis diplotropis


Leptophis diplotropis, commonly known as the Pacific Coast parrot snake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to Mexico.

Geographic range

The geographic range of L. diplotropis in Mexico extends from southwestern Chihuahua and southern Sonora to southeastern Oaxaca.

Description

, L. diplotropis is green with black and white striping. Ventrally, it is white. Males may attain a snout-to-vent length of plus a tail length of. Females, which are smaller, may attain SVL plus a tail. It has on average 19 maxillary teeth, of which the rearmost two are strongly enlarged.

Subspecies

There are two recognized subspecies, including the nominate race.
  • Leptophis diplotropis diplotropis
  • Leptophis diplotropis forreri
Nota bene: A trinomial authority in parentheses indicates that the subspecies was originally described in a genus other than Leptophis.

Etymology

The subspecific name, forreri, is in honor of Alphonse Forrer, an English-born collector of zoological specimens in Mexico for the British Museum.

Habitat

L. diplotropis is found in Tropical and [subtropical dry broadleaf forests|tropical dry forest], semi-deciduous forest, mangrove forest, oak forest and wet forest, from sea level up to. It is a highly adaptable species, which is also found in disturbed areas.

Behavior

L. diplotropis is diurnal and mostly arboreal.

Diet

L. diplotropis preys predominately upon frogs and lizards.

Reproduction

L. diplotropis is oviparous.