Polemon neuwiedi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Polemon neuwiedi |
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Polemon
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neuwiedi
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The Polemon neuwiedi, often called the Ivory Coast snake-eater or Neuwied's polemon, is a type of snake. It belongs to the family Atractaspididae. This snake is mildly venomous, meaning its bite can cause some effects but is not usually dangerous to humans. It has fangs located at the back of its mouth. This species lives only in West Africa.
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Discovering the Ivory Coast Snake-Eater
The Ivory Coast snake-eater is a fascinating reptile. It is known for its unique appearance and behavior. Scientists have studied this snake to understand more about its life in the wild.
How Did This Snake Get Its Name?
The scientific name for this snake is Polemon neuwiedi. The second part of its name, neuwiedi, was chosen to honor a German naturalist named Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied. He was a scientist who studied nature.
What Does This Snake Look Like?
The Ivory Coast snake-eater has a distinct look. Its back is a pale brown color. It also has three thin black stripes running along its body. The top of its head and the base of its tail are black. The underside of its body is white.
This snake is quite small. It can grow to a total length of about 172 mm (6+3⁄4 in). Its tail is usually around 10 mm (3⁄8 in) long. Its skin is smooth.
Where Does This Snake Live?
The Ivory Coast snake-eater is found in several countries in West Africa. These countries include Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mali, and Togo. It might also live in Nigeria, but scientists need more clear records to confirm this.
This snake prefers certain types of environments. It lives in moist savanna areas. It also likes humid open forests. You can find it in places that are less than 500 m (1,600 ft) above sea level.
How Does This Snake Behave?
The Ivory Coast snake-eater is a rare snake. It is a fossorial species, which means it spends most of its time underground. It is also a nocturnal animal. This means it is most active during the night.
