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.
| Xenophidion | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Superfamily: | Bolyerioidea |
| Family: | Xenophidiidae Wallach & Günther, 1998 |
| Genus: | Xenophidion Günther & Manthey, 1995 |
Morphology and classification
editThis 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 that 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
editVery 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
edit- Xenophidion acanthognathus Günther & Manthey, 1995
- Xenophidion schaeferi Günther & Manthey, 1995
References
edit- ^ Genus Xenophidion at The Reptile Database.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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. CiteSeerX 10.1.1.504.6967. doi:10.1017/S0952836904005278.
- ^ Xenophidion: The Snake with the Mystery Penis. snakesarelong.blogspot.com (28 September 2016)