Sanzinia madagascariensis

Sanzinia madagascariensis (also known as the Malagasy tree boa, or Madagascar tree boa) is a non-venomous boa species endemic to the island of Madagascar. Two subspecies are currently recognized: S. m. madagascariensis and S. m. volontany.

Description

Adults average 4–5 feet (122–152 cm) in length, although 6–7 foot (183–213 cm) specimens are not uncommon. Thermoreceptive pits are located between the labial scales. Females are larger than males.

Subspecies

There are two known subspecies:

Sanzinia madagascariensis madagascariensis is greenish in colour and is found on the east side of Madagascar, while S. madagascariensis volontany is brownish in colour and is found on the western side of the island. The separation of these subspecies has been supported on the basis of genetic data, and they may represent distinct species.

Geographic range

Endemic to Madagascar. The type locality given is "Madagascar".