Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
Plate 4.28
(A-G) Madagascar brown or hognose snakes (
Leioheterodon
spp.),
Madagascar.
Members of this genus of the family, Lamprophiidae, subfamily,
Pseudoxyrhophinae, have become increasingly popular in some private collections. Although
often called by its popular common name, “hognose,” it is unrelated to North American
Heterodon
spp. and their allies (South American, or tricolored hognose snakes,
Lystrophis
spp., see Plate 4.28H). A few documented bites by
Leioheterodon
spp. have included only
mild local effects (see
Table 4.1
).
(A and B) Madagascan speckled hognose or brown snake
(
Leioheterodon geayi
)
. This
species is occasionally maintained in amateur collections. In the wild it feeds on amphibians,
lizards, and snakes, but will accept small rodents in captivity. Although rumored to be capable
of inflicting a medically significant bite, there is insufficient documented information for an
assessment of the possible medical risks of this species.
(C-E) Malagasy giant hognose or brown snake (
Leioheterodon madagascariensis
)
.
Popular in amateur collections, this species has been extensively exported to the USA and
Europe. Generally reported to be mild tempered, they will flatten their neck (appearing as a
hood) and hiss if disturbed. The few documented cases of bites by this species report only
mild local effects (see
Table 4.1
).
