Tropidophis melanurus

Tropidophis melanurus, commonly known as the dusky dwarf boa, Cuban wood snake, or Cuban giant dwarf boa, is a nonvenomous dwarf boa species endemic to Cuba. There are three subspecies that are recognized as being valid, including the nominate subspecies described here.

Description
Adults of T. melanurus grow to an average of 32 to 39 in in total length (including tail).

Geographic range
T. melanurus is found in Cuba, as well as on some nearby islands, including Cayos de San Felipe (Cayo Real), and Isla de la Juventud. The type locality given is "l'île de Cuba."

Habitat
The preferred natural habitat of T. melanurus is forest.

Diet
T. melanurus preys upon amphibians (frogs), reptiles (lizards), birds, and mammals (rodents).

Reproduction
The mode of reproduction of T. melanurus is unclear: it has been described as oviparous, and as ovoviviparous.

Etymology
The subspecific name, ericksoni, is in honor of Edwin B. Erickson who assisted Schwartz in fieldwork in 1957.