Acrantophis dumerili Jan, 1860

Scientific Nomenclature

Scientific name: Acrantophis dumerili Jan, 1860.

Adult Total Length

Adults of this species usually reach a total length of 6.5 feet (2 m), including the tail. The maximum total length ever recorded is 8 feet 6 inches (259 cm).

Sexual Dimorphism

Males typically have longer, slimmer tails, while females grow to a larger overall size.

Color Pattern

Their color pattern has a gray-brown base color marked with darker patches, which provides effective camouflage against the leaf litter of their native forest floor habitat.

Endemic Range

This species is endemic to Madagascar.

Type Locality

The type locality originally listed as "Amérique mérid. ?" was later marked simply as "?" by Jan in 1863.

Distribution

It occurs along the western coast and southwestern regions of Madagascar, where it inhabits a semi-arid environment with relatively low annual precipitation. Dumeril's ground boas live in semi-arid forest across western to southwestern Madagascar.

Habitat Substrate

Their specific habitat includes leaf litter, loose soil, and rocky terrain that supports their camouflage.

Shelter Behavior

When shelter is needed, these snakes use burrows dug by other animals.

Sexual Maturity

Individuals reach sexual maturity between 3 and 5 years of age.

Male Courtship Trait

Males have anal spurs that they use during courtship.

Mating Season

The mating season runs from March to May, and offspring are born 6 to 8 months after mating.

Reproduction Mode

Acrantophis dumerili is ovoviviparous; females give birth to litters of 6 to 28 live young.

Neonatal Length

Newborn neonates measure 12 to 18 inches (30–46 cm) in length.