Difference between revisions of "Snake Taxonomy"
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==Introduction== | ==Introduction== | ||
| − | + | Snakes are the most recently evolved group of reptiles and have numerous specialisations that distinguish them from other squamates (scaled reptiles). Their musculoskeletal system is adapted for creeping, burrowing, swimming and gliding. Chemo and thermoreceptors are a key feature in their methods of predation, in addition to extreme cranial kinesis and, in some species, deadly venoms. | |
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==Evolution and Taxonomy== | ==Evolution and Taxonomy== | ||
| − | Snakes are members of the class Reptilia and order Squamata (scaled reptiles). Squamata is made up of the suborders Serpentes ( | + | Snakes are members of the class Reptilia and order Squamata (scaled reptiles). Squamata is made up of the suborders Serpentes (snakes) and Sauria (lizards). Snakes are the most recently evolved group of reptiles. Their fossil record is limited due to their fragile skeletons, however recent discoveries of early fossil snakes with posterior legs has generated debate about the origins of their evolution. |
| − | [[Image: | + | [[Image:Royal_python.jpg|thumb|right|300px|'''Royal python, ''Python regius'''''Photo credit: Claire Porteous]] |
| − | ==Common | + | ==Common species== |
| − | Snakes commonly presented in practice are non-venomous and come from two diverse families - | + | Snakes commonly presented in practice are non-venomous and come from two diverse families - Colubridae and Boidae. |
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| − | + | Colubrids are the largest family of snakes. Common examples include milksnakes, kingsnakes, rat snakes, corn snakes and garter snakes. All are rodent eaters in captivity and oviparous except for garter snakes that eat fish and invertebrates and are viviparous. | |
| − | ==Identification of | + | Boids include boas and pythons. Boas are viviparous and have single, undivided subcaudal scales. Pythons are oviparous and generally have divided subcaudal scales. Common pets include boa constrictors, royal pythons (known as ball pythons in North America) and Burmese pythons. |
| + | ==Identification of common species== | ||
Identification can be difficult, given the range of species. However, these are the most common snakes you are likely to see in practice. | Identification can be difficult, given the range of species. However, these are the most common snakes you are likely to see in practice. | ||
| − | * | + | *Kingsnake |
| − | * | + | *Garter snake |
| − | * | + | *Corn snake |
| − | * | + | *Milk snake |
| − | * | + | *Rat snake |
| − | * | + | *Boa constrictor |
| − | * | + | *Burmese python |
| − | * | + | *Royal python |
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Revision as of 20:30, 19 April 2010
 |
This article is still under construction. |
Introduction
Snakes are the most recently evolved group of reptiles and have numerous specialisations that distinguish them from other squamates (scaled reptiles). Their musculoskeletal system is adapted for creeping, burrowing, swimming and gliding. Chemo and thermoreceptors are a key feature in their methods of predation, in addition to extreme cranial kinesis and, in some species, deadly venoms.
Evolution and Taxonomy
Snakes are members of the class Reptilia and order Squamata (scaled reptiles). Squamata is made up of the suborders Serpentes (snakes) and Sauria (lizards). Snakes are the most recently evolved group of reptiles. Their fossil record is limited due to their fragile skeletons, however recent discoveries of early fossil snakes with posterior legs has generated debate about the origins of their evolution.
Common species
Snakes commonly presented in practice are non-venomous and come from two diverse families - Colubridae and Boidae.
Colubrids are the largest family of snakes. Common examples include milksnakes, kingsnakes, rat snakes, corn snakes and garter snakes. All are rodent eaters in captivity and oviparous except for garter snakes that eat fish and invertebrates and are viviparous.
Boids include boas and pythons. Boas are viviparous and have single, undivided subcaudal scales. Pythons are oviparous and generally have divided subcaudal scales. Common pets include boa constrictors, royal pythons (known as ball pythons in North America) and Burmese pythons.
Identification of common species
Identification can be difficult, given the range of species. However, these are the most common snakes you are likely to see in practice.
- Kingsnake
- Garter snake
- Corn snake
- Milk snake
- Rat snake
- Boa constrictor
- Burmese python
- Royal python
| Family | Genera | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Primitive Snakes | |||
| Anomalepididae | Blind snakes | 4 | |
| Infraorder | Typhlopidae | Blind worm snakes | 3 |
| Scolecophidia | Leptotyphlopidae | Slender blind snakes | 2 |
| Advanced Snakes | |||
| Infraorder | Acrochordidae | File snakes | 1 |
| Alethinophidia | Aniliidae | Coral pipe snakes | 1 |
| Atractaspididae | Mole vipers | 1 | |
| Boidae | Boas and pythons | 23 | |
| Bolyeriidae | Round Island ‘boas’ | 2 | |
| Colubridae | Advanced snakes | 303 | |
| Elapidae | Cobras, kraits and sea snakes | 60 | |
| Loxocemidae | Mexican burrowing pythons | 1 | |
| Uropeltidae | Short-tail snakes | 10 | |
| Viperidae | Vipers | 28 | |
| Xenopeltidae | Sunbeam snake | 1 |