dusky dwarf boa (Tropidophis melanurus) Description
This very calm individual was found next to small swampy forest pond at the back of Playa Larga, Matanzas Province.
We stayed watching & photographing it for a while and it didn't move at all.
Date 29 January 2013, 20:34
Source Cuban Giant Trope (Tropidophis melanurus) http://www.flickr.com/photos/63048706@N06/8577519434/
Author Thomas Brown http://www.flickr.com/people/63048706@N06
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cuban_Giant_Trope_(Tropidophis_melanurus)_(8577519434).jpg
Tropidophis melanurus is a non-venomous dwarf boa species found mainly in Cuba. Adults grow to an average of 32 to 39 in (80 to 100 cm) in length. Under natural circumstances, the diet consists of lizards and amphibians, although specimens in captivity can be switched to rodents. Common names: dusky dwarf boa, Cuban wood snake, Cuban giant dwarf boa. Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Tropidophiidae.
Synonyms:
Boa melanura - Schlegel, 1837
Tropidophis melanurus - Bibron In de la Sagra, 1840
Notophis bicarinatus - Hallowell, 1856
Ungalia melanura - Cope, 1868
Ungalia melanura - Boulenger, 1893
U[ngalia]. melanura - Cope, 1868
Tropidophis melanurus melanurus - Schwartz & Thomas, 1960