Phalotris mertensi
Phalotris mertensi is a species of snake in the subfamily Dipsadinae of the family Colubridae. The species is native to central eastern South America.
Etymology
The specific name, mertensi, is in honor of German herpetologist Robert Mertens.
Phalotris mertensi is found in southeastern Brazil, in the Brazilian states of Goiás, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraná, and São Paulo. It is also found in eastern Paraguay.
Habitat
The preferred natural habitat of Phalotris mertensi is savanna.
Description
A medium-sized species of snake, Phalotris mertensi may attain a snout-to-vent length of. Males reach sexual maturity at SVL, and females at.
Behavior
Phalotris mertensi is fossorial, and it is both diurnal and nocturnal.
Diet
Phalotris mertensi preys upon caecilians.
Reproduction
Phalotris mertensi is oviparous. Clutch size is from three to seven eggs.