Keeled earth snake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Keeled earth snake |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Geophis
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| Species: |
carinosus
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The keeled earth snake, known scientifically as Geophis carinosus, is a small, non-venomous snake. It belongs to the colubrid family, which is the largest family of snakes. This special snake is found only in Mexico, meaning it is endemic to that country.
Contents
What is a Keeled Earth Snake?
The keeled earth snake gets its name from the special texture of its scales. "Keeled" means that each scale has a ridge down its middle, like the keel of a boat. This gives the snake a slightly rough feel. These snakes are usually small, often less than 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) long.
Where Do They Live?
Keeled earth snakes live in specific parts of Mexico. They prefer humid (damp) environments. You can often find them in forests, especially under rocks, logs, or leaf litter. They like places where the soil is soft, which helps them burrow easily.
What Do They Look Like?
These snakes typically have a dark color, like brown or black. Their bellies might be a bit lighter. The keeled scales are a key feature that helps identify them. They have small heads and smooth, shiny bodies, despite the keeled scales.
Life and Habits
Keeled earth snakes are mostly active at night or during twilight hours. They spend a lot of their time hidden away. This helps them stay safe from predators and find their food.
What Do They Eat?
As their name suggests, earth snakes often eat small creatures found in the soil. Their diet mainly consists of soft-bodied invertebrates. This includes things like earthworms, slugs, and insect larvae. They are important for keeping the soil healthy.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Like many snakes, keeled earth snakes reproduce by laying eggs. Female snakes will lay a small clutch of eggs in a hidden, safe spot. This could be under a log or in soft soil. The young snakes hatch from these eggs and are tiny versions of the adults. Not much is known about their exact lifespan in the wild.
Conservation Status
The keeled earth snake is currently listed as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means that its population is stable for now. However, like many species, they can be affected by habitat loss. Protecting their forest homes is important for their future.
See also
In Spanish: Culebra minera aquillada para niños
