Kingdom Animalia Subphylum Vertebrata Suborder Serpentes Scientific name Boiga dightoni Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Order Squamata Family Colubridae Higher classification Boiga | |
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Similar Boiga nuchalis, Boiga wallachi, Boiga andamanensis, Boiga schultzei, Boiga gokool | ||
Boiga dightoni, commonly known as the Pirmad cat snake or the Travancore cat snake, is a species of rear-fanged colubrid endemic to the Western Ghats of India.
Contents
Etymology
The common name, Pirmad cat snake, refers to Peermade (also spelled Peermad, Pirmaad, Pirmed, and Pirmedu), a place in Kerala, India, elevation 3,300 feet (1,006 m).
The specific name or epithet, dightoni, is in honor of tea planter S.M. Dighton, the collector of the holotype specimen.
Geographic range
In India Boiga dightoni is found in the Ponmudi Hills and Travancore Hills of Kerala State, and in the Anaimalai Hills and Palni Hills of western Tamil Nadu State.
Description
Boiga dightoni is pale reddish-brown dorsally, with a series of salmon-red blotches. Its head is pale brown with minute blackish dots. Ventrally, it is yellowish, finely-dotted with brown. The outer ends of the ventral scales are salmon-pink. It is medium-sized, adults attaining a total length (including tail) of 1.1 m (3.6 feet).
Behavior
Boiga dightoni is arboreal and nocturnal.
Habitat
Boiga dightoni inhabits trees and shrubs in forested areas.
Diet
Boiga dighton preys on lizards, including Calotes versicolor.
Venom
Although rear-fanged and possessing a mild venom, Boiga dightoni is not considered dangerous to humans, mainly due to its small size.