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Care Sheets
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Hognoses |
Species Descriptions
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False Coral Hognosed Snake, Cobra-Coral (Lystrophis histricus) |
This is one of two very poorly known and seldom studied species that is restricted to the countries of Argentina and Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It is believed that this is a mimic of Bothrops species also found in this region.
Collectively referred to as false coral snakes, and false cobra corals in their native region, they often curl their tails exposing a brightly colored ventral surface.
Due to its rarity and protected status, Lystorphis histricus is never found in collections outside its native region. With the recent work done by Doctors G. J. Scrocchi and F. B. Cruz at the Instituto de Herpetologica, Republica Argentina, more is becoming known about its range and habits.
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False Coral Hognosed Snake, Cobra-Coral (Lystrophis histricus) |
- SPECIES:
- Lystrophis histricus
- SYNONYMS:
- Heterodon histricus JAN 1863
Heterodon nattereri STEINDACHNER 1867
Lystrophis histricus - BOULENGER 1894
Lystrophis histricus - CEI 1993
- SUBSPECIES:
- none
- FAMILY:
- Serpentes: Colubridae
- DISTRIBUTION:
- Formosa and Misiones (Viñas & Olmedo, 1988). Also in southern Brazil, Paraguay and
Uruguay (Orejas Miranda 1966; Achával & Olmos, 1997). Chaqueña province and bordering areas of
Paranaense province (Campos district).
- COMMENT:
- Synonymy partly after CEI 1993. Koslowsky (1898) and Serié (1921, 1936) mentioned that this species may inhabit northeastern
Argentina (including Chaco, Corrientes and Entre Ríos), but voucher records are only from Formosa and
Misiones (Viñas & Olmedo, 1988). The latter authors also mentioned a specimen from La Pampa, but as
they indicated, more material is needed to confirm this record.
- DEFINTION:
- This is a small to medium sized snake distinguished from other colubrids by the upturned rostrum. The upturned snout is thought to enable the snakes to burrow more easily after toads and small lizards. The pupils are circular and dark. There are 19 scales dorsally at midobdy. The coloration consists of red and black bands alternating; this is thought to mimic the local coral snake species. The black bands may have a ragged or zig-zag appearance. Black bands on the head form a "V" pointing toward the snout. The venter consists of red and black alternating bands. During threat displays, L. histricus may curl its tail showing the bright red banding.
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| Caresheet for Lystrophis histricus |
 Caresheet |
| References for Lystrophis histricus |
- REFERENCES:
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Brasileiro, Cynthia A., Marcio Martins and Mara Cíntia Kiefer. 2003. Lystrophis nattereri (NCN). Predation. Herpetological Review. 34:70.
Degenhardt, W. G.; C. W. Painter; and A. H. Price. 1996. Amphibians and Reptiles of New Mexico.University of New Mexico Press. Albuquerque, New Mexico. 431 pp.
Marques, O. A. V., A. S. Abe, and M. Martins. 1998. Estudo Diagnóstico da Diversidade de Répteis do Estado de São Paulo. In Biodiversidade do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, Vol. 6, Vertebrados, edited by Castro, R. M. C. Vol. 6, 27-38. São Paulo: FAPESP
Rossi, J. V. and Rossi. 1995. Snakes of the United States and Canada: Keeping them Healthy. Volume 2: Western Area. Krieger Publishing Company. Malabar, Florida. 325 pp
Silveira, A. L., E. R. Costa and L. M. Salles. 2004. Geographic distribution: Lystrophis nattereri . Herpetological Review. 35 (4):412.
Tennant, Alan. 1985. A field guide to Texas Snakes.Texas Monthly Press. Austin, Texas, 260pp
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LINKS |
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Wildlife of the Pampas |
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Taxonomy of Lystrophis histricus - en espanol |
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Type specimen of Lystrophis histricus |
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