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Dog-toothed cat snake facts for kids

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Dog-toothed cat snake
Boiga Cynodon Cameron Highlands.JPG
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Genus:
Boiga
Species:
cynodon
Boiga cynodon distribution.png
Synonyms
  • Dipsas cynodon F. Boie, 1827
  • Opetiodon cynodon
    A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1854
  • Eudipsas cynodon Günther, 1858
  • Dipsadomorphus cynodon
    Boulenger, 1896
  • Boiga cynodon – Barbour, 1912

Boiga cynodon, commonly known as the dog-toothed cat snake, is a nocturnal species of rear-fanged colubrid snake endemic to Asia.

Description

It is a large snake, reaching more than 2 m (6+12 ft) in total length. The front teeth of the upper jaw and the lower jaw are strongly enlarged.

The body is slender and laterally compressed. Dorsally it is tannish with reddish-brown or dark brown crossbands. There is a dark streak behind the eye on each side of the head. The venter is whitish, heavily marbled with dark brown.

The smooth dorsal scales are arranged in 23 or 33 rows at midbody, and those in the vertebral row are strongly enlarged. Ventrals 248–290; subcaudals 114–165.

Diet

It feeds mainly upon small birds and bird eggs, but may also take lizards and small Bats.

Reproduction

Boiga cynodon is an oviparous species, with sexually mature females laying eggs, 6-12 per clutch.

Geographic range

Sibutu, Sulu Archipelago)

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