Wood Snake

About the Wood Snake

Tropidophis melanurus, commonly known as the dusky dwarf boa, Cuban wood snake, or Cuban giant dwarf boa, is a nonvenomous dwarf boa species endemic to Cuba. There are three subspecies that are recognized as being valid, including the nominate subspecies described here.

Adults of T. melanurus grow to an average of 32 to 39 inches (81 to 99 cm) in total length (including tail). T. melanurus is found in Cuba, as well as on some nearby islands, Cayos de San Felipe (Cayo Real), and Isla de la Juventud. The type locality given is "l'île de Cuba."

The preferred natural habitat of T. melanurus is forest. T. melanurus preys upon amphibians (frogs), reptiles (lizards), birds, and mammals (rodents). The mode of reproduction of T. melanurus is unclear: it has been described as oviparous, and as ovoviviparous.

The subspecific name, ericksoni, is in honor of Edwin B. Erickson who assisted Schwartz in fieldwork in 1957. Boulenger GA (1893). Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History). Volume I., Containing the Families.... Wikipedia →