Gongylosoma nicobariensis
Encyclopedia
Gongylosoma nicobariensis is a species of snake found in the Nicobar Islands
of India. Species known only from its holotype
.
low, wide, not reaching the top of the head; nostril between two nasals; internasals about half the size of the prefrontals ; frontal somewhat larger than the supraoculars; parietals about one fourth larger than the frontal, in contact with both post-oculars ; loreal united with the postnasal; one pre- and two post-oculars ; temporals short 1+2 (Smith, 1943 gives 2+2); upper labials 7, third and fourth entering the eye; both pairs of chin-shields subequal in size. Scales in 17 rows. Ventrals 189; anal 2 divided; subcaudals 87 (Smith gives 84). Anterior half of the body reddish brown above, posterior blackish grey; head above blackish, the three first labials with yellow spots; a short broad yellow streak from behind and below the eye posteriorly to the angle of the mouth; a black collar, margined on both sides with an interrupted yellow band, of which the anterior is the most distinct; an indistinct series of blackish-grey dorsal spots, almost forming a dark undulating band; sides marbled and freckled blackish grey, this colour being separated from the upper brown one by a series of closely set black spots which are partially conspicuous on the posterior part of the body: chin dusky; lower parts yellow with a vermilion tinge, each ventral with a large black spot near its outer extremity.
Total length 17.3 inches; tail 4.2.
Location: Camorta
in Nicobar Islands
Nicobar Islands
The Nicobar Islands are an archipelagic island chain in the eastern Indian Ocean...
of India. Species known only from its holotype
Holotype
A holotype is a single physical example of an organism, known to have been used when the species was formally described. It is either the single such physical example or one of several such, but explicitly designated as the holotype...
.
Description
RostralSnake scales
Snakes, like other reptiles, have a skin covered in scales. Snakes are entirely covered with scales or scutes of various shapes and sizes. Scales protect the body of the snake, aid it in locomotion, allow moisture to be retained within, alter the surface characteristics such as roughness to aid in...
low, wide, not reaching the top of the head; nostril between two nasals; internasals about half the size of the prefrontals ; frontal somewhat larger than the supraoculars; parietals about one fourth larger than the frontal, in contact with both post-oculars ; loreal united with the postnasal; one pre- and two post-oculars ; temporals short 1+2 (Smith, 1943 gives 2+2); upper labials 7, third and fourth entering the eye; both pairs of chin-shields subequal in size. Scales in 17 rows. Ventrals 189; anal 2 divided; subcaudals 87 (Smith gives 84). Anterior half of the body reddish brown above, posterior blackish grey; head above blackish, the three first labials with yellow spots; a short broad yellow streak from behind and below the eye posteriorly to the angle of the mouth; a black collar, margined on both sides with an interrupted yellow band, of which the anterior is the most distinct; an indistinct series of blackish-grey dorsal spots, almost forming a dark undulating band; sides marbled and freckled blackish grey, this colour being separated from the upper brown one by a series of closely set black spots which are partially conspicuous on the posterior part of the body: chin dusky; lower parts yellow with a vermilion tinge, each ventral with a large black spot near its outer extremity.
Total length 17.3 inches; tail 4.2.
Location: Camorta
Camorta
Camorta is one of the Nicobar Islands, India. Its area is 188 km²....
in Nicobar Islands
Nicobar Islands
The Nicobar Islands are an archipelagic island chain in the eastern Indian Ocean...