Kingdom Animalia Subphylum Vertebrata Order Squamata Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Class Reptilia Suborder Serpentes | |
Similar Rhinophis, Uropeltis, Uropeltidae | ||
Rhinophis erangaviraji, or Eranga Viraj's shieldtail, is a species of snake in the Uropeltidae family. The species is endemic to Sri Lanka and discovered from Rakwana area of Matara District.
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Description
The species is easily identified by other shieldtails in Sri Lanka through color variations. Head is black with yellow irregular spots. Eyes are black. Body is black dorsally with some yellow irregular patches. Ventral surface is creamy colored with a stripe running along the vent region. Shield is black with small spines in it, which helps to gather sand particles. Mating may occur during July or more August, where juveniles can be seen from October to January. Juveniles are much similar to adults, but with more dark head and paler body.
Etymology
The specific name, erangaviraji, is in honor of Sri Lankan zoologist Eranga Viraj Dayarathne, who was an Instructor of the Reptiles group of the Young Zoologists’ Association of Sri Lanka, and Department of National Zoological Gardens.