Philodryas
| Philodryas | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Philodryas patagoniensis | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Dipsadidae |
| Subfamily: | Xenodontinae |
| Genus: |
Philodryas Wagler, 1830 |
| Species | |
|
See text |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Atamophis, Callirhinus, Chlorosoma, Dirrhox, Dryophylax, Euophrys, Galeophis, Herpetodryas, Lygophis, Teleolepis, Xenodon |
|
See text
Atamophis, Callirhinus, Chlorosoma, Dirrhox, Dryophylax, Euophrys, Galeophis, Herpetodryas, Lygophis, Teleolepis, Xenodon
Philodryas is a genus of colubrid snakes endemic to South America, commonly called green snakes.
Species in the genus Philodryas share the following characters:
Head distinct from neck, with distinct canthus rostralis. Eye moderate or large. Pupil round. Body cylindrical or slightly laterally compressed. Tail long.
Dorsal scales arranged in 17 to 23 rows at midbody, more or less obliquely. Subcaudals divided (in two rows).
Maxillary teeth smallest anteriorly, 12-15, followed after a gap by two large grooved fangs located just behind the posterior border of the eye.
Although colubrid snakes are usually harmless to humans, Philodryas are opisthoglyphous (rear-fanged) snakes and can give a venomous bite. However, they have mild venom; so a bite is unlikely to cause lasting damage to humans.
There are 22 recognized species.
Nota bene: A binomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a genus other than Philodryas.
...
Wikipedia