Dixon's ground snake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dixon's ground snake |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Erythrolamprus
|
| Species: |
atraventer
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The Dixon's ground snake (Erythrolamprus atraventer) is a type of snake that belongs to the Colubridae family. This snake is special because it is only found in Southeastern Brazil. It was first described by scientists James R. Dixon and Robert A. Thomas in 1985.
Contents
About Dixon's Ground Snake
Dixon's ground snake is part of a larger group of snakes called the Erythrolamprus genus. This group includes more than 50 different kinds of snakes! All these snakes are part of the subfamily called Dipsadinae. Scientists use special ways, like looking at DNA, to understand how these snakes are related to each other.
Where It Lives
You can find Erythrolamprus atraventer in the Brazilian states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. These areas are in the southeastern part of Brazil.
Its Home and Habits
This snake likes to live in the higher parts of the Atlantic Forest. It can be found at the edges of forests, in wet areas, and in both thick forests and more open spaces. Dixon's ground snake spends its time on the ground and is active during the day. This means it is a diurnal animal.
What It Looks Like
The Dixon's ground snake can grow to be about 50.5 centimeters (about 20 inches) long, including its tail. Some can even grow up to 80 centimeters (about 31.5 inches) long! A very special feature of this snake is its belly, which is black. Its scientific name, atraventer, actually means "black belly" in Latin.
How It Reproduces
Dixon's ground snake reproduces by laying eggs. This means it is an oviparous species.
Its Safety Status
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has looked at the Dixon's ground snake and decided it is a species of "Least Concern." This means that, for now, there are no big threats to this snake, and its population is stable. You can often find it in places like the Serra do Mar State Park.
