Xenodermatidae
| Xenodermatidae | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Formosa odd-scaled snake, A. f. formosanus | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Infraorder: | Alethinophidia |
| Family: |
Xenodermatidae Gray, 1849 |
| Genera | |
|
Six genera, see the text |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Xenodermatinae Gray, 1849 |
|
Six genera, see the text
Xenodermatinae Gray, 1849
Xenodermidae Gray, 1849
Xenodermatidae is a family of snakes from South, Southeast, and East Asia. They are small or moderately sized snakes, never more than 80 cm (31 in) but typically less than 55 cm (22 in) in total length. They are secretive, probably nocturnal, and typically inhabit moist forest habitats. They seem to be opportunistic carnivores, preying on other vertebrates.
It is argued that the correct spelling of the family name is Xenodermidae, but, as of early 2016, the Reptile Database continues to use Xenodermatidae.
Xenodermatidae have a basal position in the colubroid radiation. However, their exact position is not yet settled, e.g., they might be the sister taxon of the rest of Colubroidea, or that their sister taxon is Acrochordidae, and that these two families together form a clade that is the sister taxon for the Colubroidea.
The family consists of the following six genera:
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Wikipedia