Designed by Paul Smith 2006. This website is copyrighted by law.
Material contained herewith may not be used without the prior written permission of FAUNA Paraguay.
Photographs on this page were taken by Paul Smith, Moriz Stiefel and Alberto Esquivel and are used with their permission.
SPOTTED GROUND-SNAKE Taeniophallus occipitalis
A ground-dwelling species with a wide distribution in South America, though uncommonly encountered.The most obvious distinguishing character is the presence of the pale "brackets" located posteriorly on the upper side of the head. The species is widely distributed but rarely-encountered and is found in a variety of habitats, both dry and humid. The largest examples reach no more than 60cm.
Click on the images to enlarge them.
FIGURE 1 - Adult, location unknown (Alberto Esquivel undated).
FIGURE 2 - Juvenile found dead, Estancia Kanguery, PN San Rafael (Moriz Stiefel April 2008 - ECOSARA Biodiversity Database).
FIGURE 3 - Upper side of head of same individual (Moriz Stiefel April 2008 - ECOSARA Biodiversity Database).
FIGURE 4 - Lateral view of head of same individual (Moriz Stiefel April 2008 - ECOSARA Biodiversity Database).
FIGURE 5 - Underside of head of same individual (Paul Smith April 2008 - ECOSARA Biodiversity Database).
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