Kingdom Animalia Family Lamprophiidae Genus Ithycyphus Order Scaled reptiles | Class Reptilia Phylum Chordata Rank Species | |
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Similar Liophidium vaillanti, Leioheterodon geayi, Compsophis laphystia, Mimophis, Dromicodryas | ||
Ithycyphus miniatus is a species of venomous lamprophiid snake native to Madagascar.
Contents
Venom
It is calm and reluctant to bite, but has a venom capable of causing severe pain and extensive bleeding in humans.
Behavior and diet
It is small and nocturnal and preys on grey mouse lemurs and other small mammals.
In local folklore
Its name in Malagasy is fandrefiala, and it is greatly feared by many rural people of Madagascar, who believe it is able to hypnotize humans with its gaze.
Taxonomy
It was given its binomial name by Hermann Schlegel in 1837.
References
Ithycyphus miniatus Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA