Tropidophis celiae explained

Tropidophis celiae, commonly known as the Canasi dwarf boa or the Canasi trope, is an endangered species of dwarf boa, a snake in the family Tropidophiidae. The species is endemic to Cuba.

Etymology

The specific name, celiae, is in honor of Celia Puerta de Estrada, the wife of Puerto Rican herpetologist Alberto R. Estrada.^[1]

Geographic range

T. celiae is native to the northern coast of La Habana Province, western Cuba.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitats of T. celiae are caves, forest, and the marine supralittoral zone at an altitude of 3m (10feet).

Description

T. celiae is distinguished from other Tropidophis species by its tan coloration, dark brown dorsal spots, and pale neck band.^[2]

Diet

T. celiae is known to prey upon frogs.

Reproduction

T. celiae is viviparous.

Further reading

• López, Javier Torres; Rodríguez-Cabrera, Tomás M.; Romero, Ruben Marrero; Torres, Orlando J.; Macías, Paidel Gutiérrez (2016). "Comments on the critically endangered Canasí Trope (Tropidophis celiae, Tropidophiidae): Neonates, ex situ maintenance, and conservation". IRCF (International Reptile Conservation Foundation) Reptiles & Amphibians 23 (2): 82–87.

Notes and References

1. [species:Bo Beolens|Beolens, Bo]
2. Hedges SB, Estrada AR, Diaz LM. Stephen Blair Hedges.

   fr:Albert R. Estrada

   . Diaz LM. species:Luis Manuel Díaz-Béltran. 1999. A new snake (Tropidophis) from western Cuba. Copeia. 1999. 2. 376–381. 1447483. 10.2307/1447483. (Tropidophis celiae, new species).