Alsophis is a genus of snakes in the subfamily Dipsadinae of the family Colubridae. Species in the genus Alsophis are among those snakes commonly called "racers". Alsophis species are endemic to the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean. One species in the genus Alsophis, A. antiguae, is one of the world's rarest known snakes. Snakes of the genus Alsophis are small and rear-fanged, and they are considered harmless to humans. This genus contains nine described species which are recognized as being valid.EOL.org Several species once included in this genus have been placed in the genera Borikenophis and Pseudalsophis.
Rarity of species Alsophis antiguae is the rarest snake in the genus Alsophis. This snake once occurred on Antigua and Barbuda, but by 1995, only 50 individuals remained on Great Bird Island, off the coast of Antigua. Following the removal of invasive alien predators and successful reintroductions to a further three islands (Rabbit in 1999, Green Island in 2001, and York Island in 2008), the total population has increased to more than 1,000 individuals.
Description Snakes of the genus Alsophis are all relatively small, usually less than about in body length. Females tend to be larger than males. these racers are rear-fanged, with enlarged teeth at the rear of their upper jaws.
Behavior Alsophis species are harmless to humans and most have a gentle temperament. They are diurnal, usually active from dawn to dusk.
Species Listed alphabetically by specific name. www.reptile-database.org. Alsophis antiguae – Antiguan racer Alsophis antillensis – Antilles racer, Guadeloupe racer, Leeward racer Alsophis cantherigerus Alsophis danforthi Alsophis manselli – Montserrat racer Alsophis rijgersmaei – Anguilla racer, Anguilla Bank racer, Leeward Islands racer Alsophis rufiventris – orange-bellied racer, red-bellied racer, Saba racer Alsophis sanctonum Alsophis sibonius – Antilles racer, Dominica racer, Dominican racer, Leeward racer
Nota bene: A binomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a genus other than Alsophis.
References
External links
Life is Short, but Snakes are Long Antiguan racer at Fauna & Flora International Offshore Islands Conservation Programme