Arrhyton
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| Arrhyton[1] | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Subfamily: | Dipsadinae |
| Genus: | Arrhyton Günther, 1858 |
| Species | |
|
Nine recognized species, see article | |
Arrhyton is a genus of New World snakes, commonly known as island racers or racerlets, in the subfamily Dipsadinae of the family Colubridae. The genus contains nine described species.[2]
Snakes of the genus Arrhyton share the following characters. The maxillary bone is short, with eight small teeth, which are followed, after a large interspace by a strongly enlarged fang. The mandibular teeth are small and equal. The head is slightly distinct from the neck. The eye is rather small, with a round pupil. The body is cylindrical in cross-section. The dorsal scales are smooth, without apical pits, and are arranged in 15 or 17 rows. The ventrals are rounded. The tail is moderately long. The subcaudals are in two rows.[3]: 251
Geographic range
Species in the genus Arrhyton are found in Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the British Virgin Islands.[4]
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