Apostolepis dorbignyi is a species of fossorial snake in the family Colubridae (subfamily Dipsadinae), native to parts of South America. The species is recognized by major herpetological databases, including the Reptile Database.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Family: Colubridae
- Subfamily: Dipsadinae
- Genus: Apostolepis
- Species: Apostolepis dorbignyi
The species was first described in the 19th century, with the specific epithet honoring the French naturalist Alcide d’Orbigny.
Description
Information on the detailed morphology of A. dorbignyi is limited in the literature. Generally, members of the genus Apostolepis are small, slender snakes adapted for burrowing, possessing smooth scales, a short tail, and a head that is not distinct from the neck. A. dorbignyi is presumed to share these characteristics, though precise measurements and coloration patterns are not comprehensively documented in accessible sources.
Distribution and habitat
The species is reported from the southwestern region of Brazil, particularly in the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, and from adjacent areas of Bolivia. It inhabits open savanna and cerrado environments, often associated with loose, sandy soils that facilitate its fossorial lifestyle. Altitudinal range and microhabitat preferences have not been thoroughly studied.
Conservation status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has not evaluated Apostolepis dorbignyi in a published Red List assessment, or the assessment is listed as Data Deficient. Consequently, the conservation status of the species remains uncertain, and further field research is required to determine population trends and potential threats.
Etymology
The specific name dorbignyi is derived from the surname of Alcide d’Orbigny (1802–1857), a prominent French naturalist and explorer who contributed extensively to the study of South American fauna and geology.
References
- “Apostolepis dorbignyi.” The Reptile Database. Accessed [date].
- Jan, G. (1865). Original description of the species.
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Entries for Apostolepis spp. (accessed [date]).
Note: Detailed morphological, ecological, and conservation data for Apostolepis dorbignyi are limited in publicly available scientific literature; additional investigation may augment current understanding.