- Erpeton tentaculatum
Taxobox
name = "Erpeton tentaculatum"
status = NE
status_system = iucn
image_caption = ""
regnum =Animal ia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Reptilia
ordo =Squamata
subordo =Serpentes
familia =Colubridae
subfamilia =Homalopsinae
genus = "Erpeton "
species = "E. tentaculatum""Erpeton tentaculatum", or the "Tentacled Snake", is a
rear-fanged aquatic snake native to South-East Asia. It is the only species of its genus.Description
The little-known Tentacled Snake is the only species of snake to possess twin "tentacles" on the front of its head. The purpose of these protrusions is unknown, but common theories include prey detectors, decoys, and lures. Its diet includes fish and plant matter. The snake lives its entire life in the murky water of lakes, rice paddies, and slow moving streams. Native to South-East Asia, the Tentacled Snake can be commonly found in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Adult length estimates range from 50cm to 90cm.
Although it does havevenom ous fangs, the tentacled snake is not considered dangerous. The fangs are small, only partially grooved, and positioned deep in the rear of the mouth. The venom does not appear to have any great or lasting effects on humans.Behavior
Tentacled Snakes spend their whole life in the water. They can move only awkwardly on land. The young develop
ovoviviparous ly and are born underwater.
Hunting is accomplished via a unique ambush method. The tail is used to anchor the animal underwater while its body assumes a distinctive upside-down "J" posture. The striking range is a narrow area downwards from its head, somewhat towards its body. Once a fish swims within that area the snake will strike by pulling itself down in one quick motion towards the prey.Sources
http://www.torontozoo.com/Animals/details.asp?AnimalId=580
http://whozoo.org/Intro2002/StephReder/SJR_Tentacledsnake.htm
http://www.siam-info.de/english/snakes_homalopsinae.html#Erpeton%20tentaculum
http://www.mcponline.org/cgi/reprint/M700094-MCP200v3.pdf
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
