Xenophidion

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
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 which 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

Very 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

References
  1. Genus Xenophidion at The Reptile Database.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Xenophidion: The Snake with the Mystery Penis. snakesarelong.blogspot.com (28 September 2016)
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