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Tropidophiidae

Ambergris Cay Dwarf Boa

Harmless

Tropidophis greenwayi

Ambergris Cay Dwarf Boa
Tropidophis greenwayi, (c) Dodly, some rights reserved (CC BY)

The Ambergris Cay Dwarf Boa (Tropidophis greenwayi) is a non-venomous snake in the Tropidophiidae family, recorded in 2 countries.

Family
Tropidophiidae

About the Ambergris Cay Dwarf Boa

Common names: Ambergris Cay dwarf boa, Caicos Islands dwarf boa, Caicos trope.

Tropidophis greenwayi is a nonvenomous dwarf boa species endemic to the Caicos Islands. Two subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.

Etymology

The specific name, greenwayi, is in honor of American ornithologist James Cowan Greenway.

Description

Adults of T. greenwayi reach maturity at a total length (including tail) of 225 mm (8.9 in) in males and 250–265 mm (9.8–10.4 in) in females. The maximum total length is 38 cm (15 in).

Geographic range

T. greenwayi is found in the West Indies in the Caicos Islands, particularly on the islands of Ambergris Cay, Long Cay, Middle Caicos, Middleton Cay, North Caicos, South Caicos, and probably also on Providenciales. The type locality given is "Ambergris Cay, Caicos Islands, Bahamas".

Habitat

T. greenwayi occurs in the rocky limestone areas of the cays, in shrubland, forest, and rural gardens.

Conservation

Because of its restricted island distribution, T. greenway is susceptible to extirpation. Unless wildlife protection laws are enforced, the relatively secretive nature of this snake may be its only protection against extinction.

Diet

The diet of T. greenwayi consists mainly of anoles, geckos, and frogs.

Reproduction

T. greenwayi is viviparous.

Subspecies

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Ambergris Cay Dwarf Boa

Is the Ambergris Cay Dwarf Boa venomous?
No. The Ambergris Cay Dwarf Boa (Tropidophis greenwayi) is non-venomous and is not considered dangerous to humans. Like most snakes, it will retreat rather than bite when given the chance.
Is the Ambergris Cay Dwarf Boa poisonous?
Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Ambergris Cay Dwarf Boa is neither poisonous nor venomous.
Is the Ambergris Cay Dwarf Boa dangerous?
The Ambergris Cay Dwarf Boa is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
Where does the Ambergris Cay Dwarf Boa live?
The Ambergris Cay Dwarf Boa has verified records in 2 countries, including Turks and Caicos Islands, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. See the distribution section below for its full range.
What does the Ambergris Cay Dwarf Boa eat?
The diet of T. greenwayi consists mainly of anoles, geckos, and frogs.
Why is it called the Ambergris Cay Dwarf Boa?
The specific name, greenwayi, is in honor of American ornithologist James Cowan Greenway.

Where it is found

Turks and Caicos IslandsUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

More Tropidophiidae snakes

Classification

How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.

OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards
Squamata
FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits
Tropidophiidae
GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
Tropidophis
SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
Tropidophis greenwayi

Keep learning

Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.