Aspidura brachyorrhos explained

Aspidura brachyorrhos, commonly known as Boie's rough-sided snake and as ලේ මැඩිල්ලා (le medilla) in Sinhala, is a colubird species endemic to Sri Lanka. Bites from this species are known to cause mild local reaction, including a slight burning sensation and swelling.

Distribution

A small burrowing snake from midhills of central Sri Lanka. Localities recorded are Namunukula, Gampola, Weligala, Peradeniya, Gammaduwa, Dambulla, [Kegalle] and Kandy.

Description

Head indistinct from neck, body is cylindrical. Dorsally rich orange-brown, mottled, discontinuous mid-dorsal stripes distinct. 2 rows of lateral spots. Head dark brown.

Scalation

Midbody scale rows 17. Pre-oculars present. 2 Post-oculars contact with parietal. Ventrals 134–159. Subcaudals 25–39.

Ecology

Little is known. It occurs at elevations between 610-1100m. This species is known from tea plantations and vegetable gardens, and has also been dug up from riverbanks.

Reproduction

Between 2-6 measuring 8 × 28mm are produced.

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