''Xenophidion'' is a
genus of snakes first described in 1995, and the only genus of the monotypic
family Xenophidiidae.
[.] Commonly referred to as spinejaw snakes, this genus is found in
Borneo and peninsular
Malaysia.
Morphology and classification
This genus is taxonomically and phylogenetically challenging to classify, as these snakes possess several morphological traits that distinguish them from all other snake species; head scales with numerous sensory papillae, large prefrontal scales, and an upper jaw which has a spiny palatine process. They also lack any pelvic girdle vestiges, a left lung, or a coronoid bone. In 2004, cytochrome b sequencing suggested a sister relationship of ''Xenophidion'' to
Bolyeriidae
:''Common names: Mauritius snakes, Round Island boas, splitjaw snakes.''
The Bolyeriidae are a family of snakes native to Mauritius and a few islands around it, especially Round Island. They also used to be found on the island of Mauritius, but ...
from
Mauritius.
Similar to ''Boyleriidae'', spinejaw snakes have a jointed maxilla.
Diet, reproduction, and habitat
Very little is known about this genus. Specimen dissection has revealed the presence of a partially digested skink and an oviparous mode of reproduction, but male specimens have not yet been identified.
Xenophidion: The Snake with the Mystery Penis
snakesarelong.blogspot.com (28 September 2016) They are likely fossorial and may be under severe threat from palm oil agriculture.
Species
* ''Xenophidion acanthognathus
''Xenophidion acanthognathus'', also known as the Bornean spine-jawed snake is a species of snake in the monotypic family Xenophidiidae.
It is found in Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo, Malaysia
Malaysia ( ; ) is a country in S ...
'' Günther & Manthey, 1995
* ''Xenophidion schaeferi
''Xenophidion schaeferi'', also known commonly as the Malayan spinejaw snake or Schäfer's spiny-jawed snake, is a species of snake in the monotypic family Xenophidiidae. The species is endemic to Malaysia.
Etymology
The specific name, ''schae ...
'' Günther & Manthey, 1995
References
{{Taxonbar, from=Q933635
Snake families
Snake genera
Alethinophidia