Uraeotyphlus interruptus
Asia·Oviparous with terrestrial eggs and aquatic larvae·Not Evaluated·Western Ghats, southern India (Kerala)
Uraeotyphlus interruptus, also known as the Chengalam caecilian, is a medium-sized caecilian species endemic to the Western Ghats of southern India. It is distinguished by its slaty violet coloration with white lines marking its body folds and its specific pattern of dorsal and ventral annuli. This fossorial species is primarily found in loose soil, likely within moist evergreen forests, and is presumed to have a reproductive strategy involving terrestrial eggs and aquatic larvae.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to the Western Ghats of southern India, specifically the Chengalam village in Kerala.
- ›Measures approximately 185 MM (7.3 inches) in length.
- ›Features 162 body folds, with primary annuli crossing the dorsum only on the posterior half and venter only in front of the vent.
- ›Has a slaty violet coloration above, becoming slightly lighter on the underside, with conspicuous white lines on body folds.
- ›Presumed to be oviparous with terrestrial eggs and aquatic larvae that inhabit streams.
- ›Associated with loose soil and a subterranean (fossorial) lifestyle, likely within moist evergreen forests.
Moist Evergreen Forest, Loose Soil, Subterranean
Chengalam Caecilian
Habitat Change
About Uraeotyphlus interruptus
Uraeotyphlus interruptus: The Chengalam Caecilian
Uraeotyphlus interruptus, commonly referred to as the Chengalam caecilian, is a species of caecilian belonging to the family Ichthyophiidae. It is a fascinating amphibian endemic to the Western Ghats mountain range in southern India, with its known existence currently confined to the type locality of Chengalam village in the state of Kerala.
Description and Habitat
This medium-sized caecilian typically measures around 185 mm (7.3 inches) in length and is characterized by its distinctive slaty violet coloration, which is slightly lighter on its underside. White lines mark its numerous body folds, numbering 162, and are particularly conspicuous on the posterior ventral third of its body. Uraeotyphlus interruptus is a subterranean, or fossorial, species, meaning it lives a life largely beneath the surface in loose soil. While the specimens were collected in a rubber plantation, it is presumed that its natural habitat consists of moist evergreen forests. The species exhibits specific patterns in its body annuli, with primary rings crossing the dorsum only on the posterior half and the venter only in front of the vent. The collar region is slightly wider than the head and is fused dorsally but distinct ventrally. Its eyes are clearly discernible, and a ventral tentacle is located below the nostril.
Reproduction and Conservation
The reproductive strategy of Uraeotyphlus interruptus is not fully documented but is presumed to be oviparous, involving terrestrial eggs and aquatic larvae that inhabit streams. Specific threats to this species are currently unknown, and it is noted for being somewhat adaptable, suggesting it may not face significant threats from habitat alteration. However, it is not known to inhabit any protected areas, which could pose a future risk to its survival. Further research is needed to fully understand its ecological role and conservation needs.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chengalam caecilian?
The Chengalam caecilian, scientifically known as Uraeotyphlus interruptus, is a species of caecilian found in the Western Ghats of southern India. It is characterized by its medium size, slaty violet coloration, and fossorial habits.
Where is Uraeotyphlus interruptus found?
This species is endemic to the Western Ghats in southern India, with its known range currently limited to Chengalam village in Kerala. It is typically found in loose soil, likely within moist evergreen forests.
What does Uraeotyphlus interruptus look like?
Uraeotyphlus interruptus is a medium-sized caecilian measuring about 185 mm in length. It has a slaty violet body that is slightly lighter underneath, with distinct white lines marking its 162 body folds.
What is the habitat of the Chengalam caecilian?
The Chengalam caecilian is a subterranean species that lives in loose soil. While the type series was found in a rubber plantation, its presumed natural habitat is moist evergreen forest.
How does Uraeotyphlus interruptus reproduce?
It is presumed to be oviparous, meaning it lays eggs. These eggs are thought to be terrestrial, and the larvae are believed to be aquatic, living in streams.
Related Caecilian species
Uraeotyphlus menoni
Uraeotyphlus menoni, also known as Menon's caecilian or the Kerala caecilian, is a species of amphibian native to the Western Ghats of India. This fossorial caecilian is distinguished by its greyish coloration with a white, blotched belly and a light violet head with mottling.
Uraeotyphlus narayani
Uraeotyphlus narayani, also known as Narayan's caecilian, is a species of caecilian found exclusively in the Western Ghats of India. It is distinguished by its grey coloration with a pale belly, a median greenish line running from chin to tail, and distinct eyes surrounded by a white patch. This fossorial species inhabits the soil and leaf litter of its native region.
Dermophis parviceps
Dermophis parviceps is a species of caecilian found in Costa Rica and Panama, with possible presence in Colombia. This slender, subterranean amphibian is distinguished by its pinkish head contrasting with a purplish-gray body and annular grooves that lack dark pigment.