Sheltopusik
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (November 2021) |
Sheltopusik | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Family: | Anguidae |
Genus: | Pseudopus |
Species: | P. apodus
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Binomial name | |
Pseudopus apodus (Pallas, 1775)
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Synonyms[2] | |
The sheltopusik
Etymology
Pseudopus apodus comes from Greek ψευδοποδος άποδος, literally meaning "fake-legged" or without legs.
The common name "sheltopusik" comes from Russian желтопузик (zheltopuzik), which translates most directly as "yellow-bellied".[5]
Taxonomy
The sheltopusik was previously included in the genus Ophisaurus, but has since been placed in its own genus Pseudopus. It was originally described in 1775 by Peter Simon Pallas as Lacerta apoda.[6]
There are three subspecies:[7][8]
- P. a. apodus (Pallas, 1775) - the type subspecies, ranging from Transcaucasia, east to Central Asia as far as Kazakhstan
- P. a. levantinus Jablonski, Ribeiro-Junior, Meiri, Maza, Mikulíček & Janzik, 2021 - restricted to the Levant, from southern Turkey south to Israel and Palestine
- P. a. thracicus (Obst, 1978) - the westernmost subspecies, ranging from Croatia to Greece, east to western Turkey
Despite only being described in 2021, P. a. levantinus is the largest and most genetically diverse of the subspecies, indicating an older and more complex evolutionary history compared to its sister subspecies.[8]
Description
The sheltopusik can reach a length of 135 cm (4.43 ft). It is tan colored, paler on the ventral surface and the head, with a ring-like/segmented appearance that makes it look like a large earthworm with a distinctive fold of skin down each side called a lateral groove. Small (2-mm) rear legs are sometimes visible near the cloaca. Though the legs are barely discernible, the sheltopusik can be quickly distinguished from a snake by its ears, eyelids, and ventral scales.
Habitat and behaviour
P. apodus inhabits open country, such as short grassland or sparsely wooded hills. It consumes
Defensive behaviour
Due to its size, the sheltopusik tends to respond to harassment by hissing, biting, and musking. It is less likely to drop off its tail than some other species that display caudal
In captivity
Sheltopusiks are frequently available in the exotic pet trade, though rarely captive-bred. They do not typically tolerate a large amount of handling, but they adapt to captivity well, feeding on
Reproduction
About 10 weeks after mating, the female P. apodus lays about eight eggs, which she hides under bark or a stone, and often guards them. The young hatch after 45 to 55 days. They are typically about 15 cm (5.9 in) long and usually start to eat after four days.
Relationship with humans
Remains of the Levant subspecies (P. a. levantinus) are known from
References
- . Retrieved 20 February 2022.
- ^ "Pseudopus apodus ". The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.
- ^ Also spelled scheltopusik, sheltopusick, scheltopusick, sheltopusic, or scheltopusic.
- ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Pseudopus apodus, p. 199).
- ISBN 978-5-98092-007-4.
- ^ Lacerta apoda. Peter Simon Pallas. Published: 1775.
- ^ "Pseudopus apodus". The Reptile Database. Retrieved 2022-08-03.
- ^ S2CID 233422513.
- ^ Schuster, Ruth. "Lizards Eaten by Prehistoric People in Today's Israel Were Unknown Subspecies". Haaretz.
External links
- "The Scheltopusik, Pseudopus [Ophisaurus ] apodus: Natural History and Care". Cyber Lizard U.K. 2003-09-28. Retrieved 2008-01-19.
- "Scheltopusik Care Sheet and Information". Western New York Herpetological Society. 2008. Retrieved 2008-01-19.
- Kaplan, Melissa (1997). "Glass Lizard - Glass Snake - Legless Lizard". Melissa Kaplan's Herp Care Collection. Retrieved 2008-01-19.
- "European Glass Lizard". Wild Natures. September 2006. Archived from the original on 2008-04-02. Retrieved 2008-01-19.
- "Giant Legless Lizard". Central Pets. 2008-01-19. Archived from the original on 2007-10-16. Retrieved 2008-01-19.
Further reading
- Arnold EN, Burton JA (1978). A Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Britain and Europe. London: Collins. 272 pp. + Plates 1-40. (Ophisaurus apodus, pp. 175, 178 + Plate 33, figures 1a-1b + Map 94).
- Boulenger GA (1885). Catalogue of the Lizards in the British Museum Natural History). Second Edition. Volume II. ... Anguidæ ... London: Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, printers). xiii + 497 pp. + Plates I-XXIV. (Ophisaurus apus, new combination, pp. 280–281).
- Pallas PS (1775). "Lacerta apoda, descripta ". Novi Comentarii Academiae Scientiarum Imperialis Petropolitanae 19: 435-454 + Plates IX-X. (Lacerta apoda, new species). (in Latin).