Hispaniola racer

The Hispaniola racer (Haitiophis anomalus) is a snake[2] that is endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola (split between the Dominican Republic and Haiti).[3] It is monotypic in the genus Haitiophis. At an average length of 2 meters (6.56 ft), H. anomalus is the largest colubrid snake in the Americas, and the longest snake species in the West Indies.[1][4]

Hispaniola racer
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Colubridae
Genus: Haitiophis
Hedges & Vidal, 2009
Species:
H. anomalus
Binomial name
Haitiophis anomalus
(Peters, 1863)
Synonyms
  • Zamenis anomalus
  • Dromicus anomalus
  • Alsophis anomalus
  • Ocyophis anomalus
  • Caraiba anomala

Distribution and habitat

The majority of the racer's range lies in the Dominican Republic, where it is found in the southwest of the country (in the arid areas surrounding Lake Enriquillo, Pedernales Province, and Isla Beata) as well as a relict population in Monte Cristi Province. In Haiti, the racer is only known to exist on Tortuga.

Behavior

When cornered, individuals may produce a hood and rear up, similar to many Old World cobras. The species may also strike; however, it is non-venomous.[4]

References
  1. Inchaustegui, S., Landestoy, M. & Henderson, R.W. 2016. Haitiophis anomalus (errata version published in 2017). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T190577A115326673. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T190577A71748221.en. Downloaded on 03 October 2018.
  2. Haitiophis at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 5 December 2016.
  3. Haitiophis anomalus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 5 December 2016.
  4. Landestoy T., Miguel & Henderson, Robert & Rupp, Ernst & Marte, Cristian & Ortiz, Robert. (2013). Notes on the Natural History of the Hispaniolan Brown Racer, Haitiophis anomalus (Squamata: Dipsadidae), in the Southern Dominican Republic. IRCF REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS. 20. 130-139. Accessed at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284550279_Notes_on_the_Natural_History_of_the_Hispaniolan_Brown_Racer_Haitiophis_anomalus_Squamata_Dipsadidae_in_the_Southern_Dominican_Republic.
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