Lacépède's ground snake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lacépède's ground snake |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Erythrolamprus
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| Species: |
cursor
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| Synonyms | |
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The Lacépède's ground snake (scientific name: Erythrolamprus cursor) is a very rare type of snake. It belongs to the Colubridae family, which is a large group of snakes. This special snake lives only on the Caribbean island of Martinique. Not much is known about it, and it's hard to find pictures of it.
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Where Does This Snake Live?
This snake is found only in one place: the beautiful Caribbean island of Martinique. It has been seen on a small island called Diamond Rock (also known as Rocher du Diamant). Scientists think this tiny island might be the last safe place for these snakes to live.
Who Discovered This Snake?
The Lacépède's ground snake was first described in 1789 by a French scientist named Bernard Germain Étienne de la Ville, Comte de Lacépède. He wrote about it in his book, Histoire Naturelle des Quadrupèdes Ovipares et de Serpens.
Snake Family Tree
Erythrolamprus cursor is part of the Erythrolamprus group, which includes more than 50 different kinds of snakes. This group belongs to a larger snake family called Dipsadinae.
What Does This Snake Do?
The Lacépède's ground snake is active during the day. It lives on the ground, often hiding under leaves and pieces of wood. This snake is a hunter, and it eats other small reptiles and amphibians.
Why Is This Snake Endangered?
Sadly, the Lacépède's ground snake is in danger of disappearing forever. This is mainly because other animals were brought to Martinique. For example, other types of snakes were introduced, and then mongooses were brought in to control those snakes. These new animals have hunted the native Lacépède's ground snake, pushing it close to extinction.
