Micropisthodon

Superregnum: Eukaryota
Regnum: Animalia
Subregnum: Eumetazoa
Cladus: Bilateria
Cladus: Nephrozoa
Superphylum: Deuterostomia
Phylum: Chordata
Cladus: Craniata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Infraphylum: Gnathostomata
Superclassis: Tetrapoda
Cladus: Reptiliomorpha
Cladus: Amniota
Classis: Reptilia
Cladus: Eureptilia
Cladus: Romeriida
Subclassis: Diapsida
Cladus: Sauria
Infraclassis: Lepidosauromorpha
Superordo: Lepidosauria
Ordo: Squamata
Subordo: Serpentes
Infraordo: Caenophidia
Superfamilia: Colubroidea

Familia: Colubridae
Subfamilia: Lamprophiinae
Genus: Micropisthodon
Species: Micropisthodon ochraceus
Name

Micropisthodon

Micropisthodon is a monotypic genus[3] created for the poorly-known rear-fanged snake species, Micropisthodon ochraceus,[4] found in eastern Madagascar.[1] No subspecies are currently recognized.[4]

Description

Maximum recorded length is 70 cm (28 in). Back is brownish, with alternating dark and light areas, and the dark areas sometimes forming chevrons. Dentition is apparently aglyphous. Pupils are circular.[5]

The species is oviparous.[4] One dissected female contained 10 small eggs.[5]
Habitat and conservation

Micropisthodon ochraceus lives in low-elevation humid forest at elevations of 10–950 m (33–3,117 ft) above sea level, perhaps higher; it does not occur in disturbed habitats. It is arboreal.[1]

It is a locally common species, but the population is probably declining because of habitat loss and degradation caused by open cast mining, conversion of land for agriculture, and logging. It occurs in several protected areas.[1]

References

Vences, M., Ramanamanjato, J.-B., Randriamahazo, H. & Raselimanana, A. (2011). "Micropisthodon ochraceus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2011: e.T172931A6943611. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T172931A6943611.en.
Mocquard F. 1894. "Reptiles nouveaux ou insuffisamment connus de Madagascar ". Compte Rendu Sommaire des Séances de la Société Philomatique de Paris 17: 1-8. ("Micropisthodon, n. g.", p. 7; "Micropisthodon ochraceus, n. sp.", pp. 8).(PDF)
Micropisthodon at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database
Micropisthodon ochraceus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 28 May 2016.
Glaw, Frank; Vences, Miguel (2007). A Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar (3 ed.). Köln: M. Vences & F. Glaw Verlags GbR. ISBN 978-3-929449-03-7.