Uraeotyphlus menoni
Asia·Oviparous (with terrestrial eggs and aquatic larvae)·Not Evaluated·Kerala, Western Ghats, India
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.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to the state of Kerala in the Western Ghats, India.
- ›Can grow up to 248 MM (9.8 inches) in total length.
- ›Characterized by a greyish body, white belly blotched with grey, and a light violet head.
- ›A subterranean species found in humus-rich, loose, moist soil.
- ›Occurs in tropical moist forests and agricultural land below 500 meters.
- ›Likely reproduces by laying terrestrial eggs that hatch into aquatic larvae.
Tropical Moist Forest, Agricultural Land, Subterranean
Menon's Caecilian, Kerala Caecilian
Habitat Destruction, Agrochemicals, Changes In Soil Chemistry, Collection of Humus
About Uraeotyphlus menoni
Uraeotyphlus menoni, commonly referred to as Menon's caecilian or the Kerala caecilian, is a species of amphibian belonging to the Ichthyophiidae family. This unique creature is endemic to the Western Ghats region of India, specifically within the state of Kerala.
Description and Habitat
This caecilian species can grow to an impressive length of up to 248 mm (9.8 inches). Its physical appearance is characterized by a greyish body, a white belly marked with grey blotches, and a distinctive light violet head that exhibits mottling. The eyes are clearly visible and surrounded by a light ring, while the snout and lower jaw are whitish with grey spots. A notable feature is its short tail, measuring less than 1 cm, which is whitish at the tip. The tentacles are positioned close to and below the nostrils, which are observable from a dorsal view.
Uraeotyphlus menoni is a subterranean, or fossorial, species, meaning it lives underground. It thrives in humus-rich, loose, and moist soil environments. Its natural habitat extends to both tropical moist forests and agricultural lands, typically found at elevations below 500 meters (1,600 feet) above sea level.
Reproduction and Conservation
The reproductive strategy of Uraeotyphlus menoni is believed to be oviparous, involving the laying of terrestrial eggs that subsequently hatch into aquatic larvae. Despite its adaptability, the species faces potential threats that could impact local populations. Severe habitat destruction is a primary concern, alongside the effects of agrochemicals, alterations in soil chemistry, and the removal of humus.
Currently, Uraeotyphlus menoni is not known to inhabit any protected areas. While not considered severely threatened overall, ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts are important to mitigate the risks posed by human activities and environmental changes.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Uraeotyphlus menoni commonly called?
Uraeotyphlus menoni is commonly known as Menon's caecilian or the Kerala caecilian. The specific name 'menoni' honors K. Ramunni Menon, who collected the holotype specimen.
What does Uraeotyphlus menoni look like?
This caecilian species typically measures up to 248 mm in length. It has a greyish body with a white belly that is blotched with grey. The head is a light violet color with light mottling, and its eyes are surrounded by a light ring.
Where does Uraeotyphlus menoni live?
Uraeotyphlus menoni is found in the Indian state of Kerala, specifically within the Western Ghats. It inhabits humus-rich, loose, moist soil in both tropical moist forests and agricultural areas at elevations below 500 meters.
What is the habitat of Uraeotyphlus menoni?
As a subterranean species, Uraeotyphlus menoni prefers humus-rich, loose, and moist soil. It can be found in tropical moist forest environments as well as agricultural land.
How does Uraeotyphlus menoni reproduce?
The reproductive strategy of Uraeotyphlus menoni is likely oviparous, meaning it lays eggs. These eggs are thought to be terrestrial, and they hatch into aquatic larvae.
What are the threats to Uraeotyphlus menoni?
While Uraeotyphlus menoni appears adaptable, local populations may be threatened by severe habitat destruction. Agrochemicals, changes in soil chemistry, and the collection of humus are also potential threats.
Related Caecilian species
Uraeotyphlus interruptus
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.
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.