Suborder Serpentes Phylum Chordata Rank Species | Subphylum Vertebrata Scientific name Tropidophis greenwayi Higher classification Tropidophis Order Scaled reptiles | |
Similar Tropidophis, Tropidophiidae, Snake, Tropidophis feicki, Reptile | ||
Tropidophis greenwayi is a nonvenomous dwarf boa species endemic to the Caicos Islands. Two subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.
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Etymology
The specific name, greenwayi, is in honor of American ornithologist James Cowan Greenway.
Description
Adults reach maturity at lengths of 225 mm (8.9 in) in males and 250–265 mm (9.8–10.4 in) in females. The maximum size is 38 cm (15 in).
Geographic range
Tropidophis greenwayi is found in the West Indies in the Caicos Islands, particularly on the islands of Ambergris Cay, Long Cay, Middle Caicos, Middleton Cay, North Caicos, South Caicos, and probably also on Providenciales. The type locality given is "Ambergris Cay, Caicos Islands, Bahamas".
Habitat
T. greenwayi occurs in the rocky limestone areas of the cays.
Conservation
Because of its restricted island distribution, T. greenway is susceptible to extirpation. Unless wildlife protection laws are enforced, the relatively secretive nature of this snake may be its only protection against extinction.
Feeding
The diet consists mainly of anoles and geckos.