Eirenis medus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Eirenis medus | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Eirenis |
| Species: | E. medus |
| Binomial name | |
| Eirenis medus (Chernov, 1940) | |
Eirenis medus is a species of nonvenomous dwarf snake from the family Colubridae.[2][3] Its common names include Ashkhabad Dwarf Racer, Turkmen Dwarf Snake, and Striped Dwarf Snake.[4][5] It is commonly found under rocks in semi-deserts and canyons throughout Iran and southern Turkmenistan at altitudes between 1100–1600 m (approx. 3609–5249 ft.) above sea level.[6] It is insectivorous along with eating small lizards and other arthropods.[7]
E. medus is considered to be a nocturnal species.[6] It exhibits limited diurnal activity, however. Most of the species' time is spent under stones, which act as both home and hunting grounds. The reasons it may emerge from under its rock are to find new shelters with optimal temperature, humidity, and food, or to find partners during the breeding season.[8] It has been found active on rocky slopes from April through October, though never in midsummer. The population density of E. medus is up to 133 per hectare.[9] The species is considered to be of least concern by the IUCN.[6]
