Kingdom Animalia Suborder Serpentes Phylum Chordata Rank Species | Subphylum Vertebrata Family Uropeltidae Higher classification Brachyophidium Order Scaled reptiles | |
Genus Brachyophidium
Wall, 1921 Scientific name Brachyophidium rhodogaster Similar Teretrurus, Plectrurus, Rhinophis, Melanophidium, Uropeltis | ||
Brachyophidium is a monotypic genus created for the nonvenomous shield tail snake species, Brachyophidium rhodogaster, endemic to the Western Ghats of India.
It is perhaps the smallest species of shield tail snake, with adults barely exceeding 5-6 inches.
Common names: Wall's shield tail snake.Geographic range
It is found in South India, in the Western Ghats encompassing the Palni Hills (Shembaganur in Kodaikanal Hills, Palnis).
The type locality given is "Palnai Hills."
References
Brachyophidium Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA