Ridgehead snake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ridgehead snake |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
The ridgehead snake (Manolepis putnami) is a type of snake. Its scientific name is Manolepis putnami. This snake belongs to a large group of snakes called the Colubridae family. It is found only in southeastern Mexico.
About the Name
The second part of the snake's scientific name, putnami, honors Frederic Ward Putnam. He was an American scientist who studied human societies and cultures.
Snake Family Tree
Manolepis putnami is the only known species in its group, called the Manolepis genus. This means it is a very unique snake. It does not have other close relatives in its specific genus.
Where It Lives
The ridgehead snake lives in several states in Mexico. You can find it in Chiapas, Colima, Guerrero, Jalisco, Nayarit, and Oaxaca.
Its Home
The natural home, or habitat, of the ridgehead snake is the forest.
What It Looks Like
The ridgehead snake can grow to about 55 centimeters (21.5 inches) long. Its tail can be about 14 centimeters (5.5 inches) long.
Its back is usually light brown or yellowish. It has a darker brown stripe down its back. This stripe is about three scales wide. The snake's belly is whitish and has small brown spots.
The scales on its back are smooth. They are arranged in 19 rows around the middle of its body. The scale near its vent (where waste leaves the body) is split into two parts. The scales under its tail are also in two rows.
Its Teeth
The ridgehead snake has a special type of teeth. It is called "rear-fanged" or opisthoglyphous. This means its fangs are located at the back of its mouth.
It has 15 small teeth in the front of its upper jaw. After a small gap, it has two larger fangs with grooves. The teeth in the front of its lower jaw are longer than the ones at the back.
