Class Reptilia Phylum Chordata Rank Species | Subphylum Vertebrata Suborder Serpentes Order Scaled reptiles | |
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Similar Dipsadoboa, Amblyodipsas, Telescopus semiannulatus, Dipsadoboa viridis, Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia | ||
Marbled tree snake dipsadoboa aulica
Dipsadoboa aulica, commonly known as the marbled tree snake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to Africa.
Contents
Geographic range
D. aulica is found in Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
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.
Behavior
D. aulicus, is nocturnal and arboreal, hiding during the day in tree cavities or under bark.
Diet
D. aulica preys primarily upon tree frogs and geckos, but will also eat toads, skinks, and small rodents.
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).