Dipsadoboa aulica
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Colubridae
Genus: Dipsadoboa
Species:
D. aulica
Binomial name
Dipsadoboa aulica
(Günther, 1864)
Synonyms[2]
  • Chamaetortus aulicus
    Günther, 1864
  • Dipsadoboa aulica
    — Rasmussen, 1989

Dipsadoboa aulica, commonly known as the marbled tree snake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to Africa, and is mildly venomous to humans. [3]

Geographic range

D. aulica is found in Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.[2]

Description

D. aulica is a slender-bodied snake. Males may attain a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 66 cm (26 in). Females are slightly smaller, growing to 63 cm (25 in) SVL. The smooth dorsal scales are arranged in 17 rows at midbody.[4]

Behavior

D. aulicus, is nocturnal and arboreal, hiding during the day in tree cavities or under bark.[4]

Diet

D. aulica preys primarily upon tree frogs and geckos, but will also eat toads, skinks, and small rodents.[4]

Reproduction

D. aulica, like all species in the genus Dipsadoboa, is oviparous. In midsummer sexually mature females lay 7-8 eggs. The eggs measure on average 25.5 x 11.5 mm (about 1 x 0.5 inch). Hatchlings measure on average 18 cm (about 7 inches) in total length (including tail).[4]

References

  1. ↑ Alexander, G.J.; Tolley, K.A. (2021). "Dipsadoboa aulica". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T13265170A13265180. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-2.RLTS.T13265170A13265180.en. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
  2. 1 2 Species Dipsadoboa aulica at The Reptile Database
  3. ↑ "Marbled Tree Snake - ASI".
  4. 1 2 3 4 Branch, Bill (2004). Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Third Revised edition, Second impression. Sanibel Island, Florida: Ralph Curtis Books. 399 pp. ISBN 0-88359-042-5. (Dipsadoboa aulica, p. 98 + Plate 31).

Further reading

  • Boulenger GA (1896). Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History). Volume III., Containing the Colubridæ (Opisthoglyphæ and Proteroglyphæ) ... London: Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, printers). xiv + 727 pp. + Plates I-XXV. (Chamætortus aulicus, pp. 98–99).
  • Günther A (1864). "Report on a Collection of Reptiles and Fishes made by Dr. Kirk in the Zambesi and Nyassa Regions". Proc. Zool. Soc. London 1864: 303–314. (Chamætortus aulicus, new species, p. 310 + Plate XXVI, figure 2).


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