Common name: Black shield-tail snakesMelanophidium is a genus of nonvenomous shield-tail snakes endemic to the Western Ghats of India. These species are identifiable by having a mental groove in their chin shields. Currently, four species are recognized, including one newly described species.
Their very smooth and glossy skin is said to be highly iridescent and is functional in warding off debris during burrowing. They are typically fossorial and nocturnal, becoming active during rainy nights.[1]
Found in India in the Western Ghats: from Tirunelveli Hills in Tamil Nadu, at the southern tip of the country, northwards up to the Amboli Hills in Maharashtra.[2]
| Species | Taxon author | Common name | Geographic range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melanophidium bilineatum | Beddome, 1870 | Two-lined black shield-tail snake | Wayanad hills in the Western Ghats: in Peria and Tirhoot Peaks west of Manantoddy |
| Melanophidium punctatum | Beddome, 1871 | Spotted black shield-tail snake | Southern Western Ghats: in Travancore (900–1500 m elevation) and the Anamalai Hills south of the Palghat Gap. |
| Melanophidium wynaudenseT | (Beddome, 1863) | Wayanad black shield-tail snake | Central Western Ghats: from Wayanad to the Manantoddy District, Coorg up to the Agumbe Ghats, at 900–1500 m elevation |
| Melanophidium khairei | Gower, Giri, Captain & Wilkinson, 2016 | Khaire's black shield-tail snake | Western India in the Northern Western Ghats of Goa and Maharashtra States |