Plectrurus perrotetii

Plectrurus perrotetii

Nilgiri burrowing snake, Perrotet's shieldtail

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SPECIES
Plectrurus perrotetii

Plectrurus perrotetii, commonly known as the Nilgiri burrowing snake or Perrotet's shieldtail, is a species of harmless snake in the family Uropeltidae. The species is endemic to India.

Animal name origin

The specific name, perrotetii or perroteti, is in honour of French naturalist George Samuel Perrottet (1793–1867).

Appearance

P. perrotetii is a small snake, growing to a maximum of 44 cm (17+1⁄4 in) in total length (including tail). The head is pointed, and the tail is blunt. It has smooth, glossy scales and is brown in colour.

Distribution

Geography

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P. perrotetii is found in the Western Ghats and hills of southern India.

Habits and Lifestyle

Like the common worm snake, Ramphotyphlops braminus, Plectrurus perrotetii is also often mistaken for earthworms, upon which it feeds. It is considered an endangered species, and little else is known about this snake.

Lifestyle

Diet and Nutrition

References

1. Plectrurus perrotetii Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plectrurus_perrotetii
2. Plectrurus perrotetii on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/172693/1368076

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