Whitaker’s sand boa
A species of True sand boa Scientific name : Eryx whitakeri Genus : True sand boa
Whitaker’s sand boa, A species of True sand boa
Scientific name: Eryx whitakeri
Genus: True sand boa
Content
Description General Info
Photo By harshithjv , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Eryx whitakeri is a nonvenomous boa species endemic to coastal southern India. No subspecies are currently recognized.
General Info
Lifespan
8-10 years
Diet
Whitaker’s sand boa is primarily a carnivorous species, with a particular fondness for small rodents like mice and rats. They are also known to consume birds and eggs occasionally. Captive specimens may feed on chicken and fish as well.
Appearance
Whitaker’s sand boa is a small-sized snake measuring up to 60-75 cm in length. The body is muscular with rough skin, typically reddish-brown in color, often featuring darker, symmetrical blotches down the length. Juveniles share similar coloration to adults. The eyes are small and the tail is short, ending in a sharp point. Females are generally larger than males.
Behavior
Whitaker’s sand boa is a nocturnal, solitary species, spending the day hidden in rock crevices or under vegetation. They typically exhibit ambush predation, awaiting their prey (mostly rodents and lizards) while blended into their surroundings. Notwithstanding its solitude, it displays notable territorial behavior during the mating season.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By harshithjv , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Boas Genus
True sand boa Species
Whitaker’s sand boa