Hebius maximus
| Hebius maximus | |
|---|---|
| |
| Male from Mt. Laojun in Sichuan | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Hebius |
| Species: | H. maximus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Hebius maximus (Malnate, 1962)
| |
| Synonyms[1][2] | |
| |
Hebius maximus, the western China keelback, is a species of snake of the
endemic to Southwestern China (Chongqing, Sichuan, northwestern Guizhou).[1][2] Originally described as a subspecies of Amphiesma sauteri (=Hebius sauteri), its validity has been doubted;[1][2] however, it was revalidated by a 2022 study based on morphological and molecular evidence. The evidence even warranted the recognition of Hebius maximus as a full species.[2]
Etymology
The
Description
Hebius maximus is a small to medium-sized snake, reaching 597 mm (23.5 in) in total length. The tail is relatively long, 25–33% of the total length. Dorsal colouration is reddish-brown or grayish brown, while the ventrum is cream white. An ill-defined dark olive dorsal streak scattered with black spots runs from neck to tail.[2]
Habitat
Hebius maximus occurs in subtropical mountain regions at elevations of about 812–1,200 m (2,664–3,937 ft)
above sea level in coniferous forests, large forest clearings, and agricultural areas. It is diurnal, active at dusk. Its prey includes earthworms, slugs, and tadpoles.[2]
References
- ^ a b c d Hebius maximus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 5 August 2023.
- ^ .