This subfamily was erected for a single species of very rare snake— only five specimens have been collected. Elachistodon closely resembles Dasypeltis in many respects. It lacks the mental groove, and has specially modified, distensible skin at the angle of the mouth and in the cheek. The teeth are restricted to the posterior part of the maxilla, palatine, and dentary, the upper jaw elements are rigidly tied together, and the bones of the lower jaw are loosely articulated. Some of the hypapophysis pierce the esophagus, though they are not as greatly modified in shape as those of Dasypeltis. Elachistodon differs from Dasypeltis in having one or two enlarged and grooved teeth on the rear of the maxilla, and in having smooth scales, with those of the vertebral row enlarged. A large pit is present in the nasal scale. Similar pits in other snakes are known to function as thermoreceptors for locating warm-blooded prey.Elachistodon westermanni has been found only .in northeastern India. Since it resembles Dasypeltis so closely, it seems highly probable that it too feeds largely on eggs. The first specimen taken had an amorphous mass in the stomach that rnay have been egg volk. The grooved teeth and nasal pits suggest, but do not prove, that it may also feed upon small birds and mammals occasionally. The original specimen had seven hard-shelled eggs in the oviduct, indicating that the species is oviparous
đang được dịch, vui lòng đợi..
