Plectrurus is a genus of nonvenomous shield tail snakes endemic to the Western Ghats of South India.[1] Currently, four species are recognized.[3] They inhabit high elevation montane Shola forests and are usually found under fallen logs and rocks. Some species are rare while some are quite common in their range.
Small snakes, they do not exceed 43 cm (17 in).
An ocular shield covers the eye. The eyes are small, diameter not more than half the length of the ocular shield. The tail is laterally compressed. The terminal scute also is laterally compressed, with two superposed points. The points are simple, bifid, or trifid.[4]
This snake was last claimed to be seen at Chubra hills in Wayanad, Kerala in 1880. There have been no recorded sightings since 1880 at Chubra hills.
Plectrurus guentheri Beddome, 1863 Günther's shield tail snake Southern India in the Western Ghats: Sispara Ghat on the west side of the Nilgiri Hills Plectrurus perrotetiiT A.H.A. Duméril, 1851 Perrotet's shield tail snake Southern India in the Western Ghats: Nilgiri Hills,where it is a common species.*) Not including the nominate subspecies
T) Type species[1]
Plectrurus is a genus of nonvenomous shield tail snakes endemic to the Western Ghats of South India. Currently, four species are recognized. They inhabit high elevation montane Shola forests and are usually found under fallen logs and rocks. Some species are rare while some are quite common in their range.
