Biology:Xenophidion

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Short description: Genus of snakes

Xenophidion
Scientific classification e
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Xenophidiidae
Wallach & Günther, 1998
Genus: Xenophidion
Günther & Manthey, 1995

Xenophidion is a genus of snakes first described in 1995, and the only genus of the monotypic family Xenophidiidae.[1] Commonly referred to as spinejaw snakes, this genus is found in Borneo and peninsular Malaysia.

Morphology and classification

This genus is taxonomically and phylogenetically challenging to classify, as these snakes possess several morphological traits that distinguish them from all other snake species; head scales with numerous sensory papillae, large prefrontal scales, and an upper jaw which has a spiny palatine process. They also lack any pelvic girdle vestiges, a left lung, or a coronoid bone.[2] In 2004, cytochrome b sequencing suggested a sister relationship of Xenophidion to Bolyeriidae from Mauritius.[3] Similar to Boyleriidae, spinejaw snakes have a jointed maxilla.

Diet, reproduction, and habitat

Very little is known about this genus. Specimen dissection has revealed the presence of a partially digested skink and an oviparous mode of reproduction, but male specimens have not yet been identified.[4] They are likely fossorial and may be under severe threat from palm oil agriculture.

Species

References

  1. Genus Xenophidion at The Reptile Database.
  2. Wallach, Van; Günther, Rainer (1998). "Visceral anatomy of the Malaysian snake genus Xenophidion, including a cladistic analysis and allocation to a new family". Amphibia-Reptilia 19 (4): 385–405. doi:10.1163/156853898X00052. 
  3. Lawson, R.; Slowinski, J. B.; Burbrink, F. T. (2004). "A molecular approach to discerning the phylogenetic placement of the enigmatic snake Xenophidion schaeferi among the Alethinophidia". Journal of Zoology 263 (3): 285–294. doi:10.1017/S0952836904005278. 
  4. Xenophidion: The Snake with the Mystery Penis. snakesarelong.blogspot.com (28 September 2016)

Wikidata ☰ Q933635 entry