Xenophidion
Genus of snakes
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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  | |
| 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
This 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
Species
- Xenophidion acanthognathus Günther & Manthey, 1995
- Xenophidion schaeferi Günther & Manthey, 1995