Two more False Taiwan Habus

Twoton · **Posted:** Sun Aug 30, 2009 12:18 am

Here are two more False Taiwan Habus (Macrophistodon rudis rudis), mimics of the Taiwan Habu (Protobothrops mucrosquamatus), but not completely un-toxic. They're diurnal as well as nocturnal (is there a word for this?) - the adult was found around midnight, the juvie (first two pix) at nine AM, and I come across them at all hours.

I'm not sure if Bryan G. Fry has done any more research into their venom since my last post concerning these colubrids, but if anyone knows more, please let me know.

Shane_TX · **Posted:** Sun Aug 30, 2009 12:46 am

Quote:

They're diurnal as well as nocturnal (is there a word for this?)

At the Dallas Zoo, I saw an unfamiliar word on the placard regarding the activity pattern of one of the rhinoceros species. I should have taken pic of the plaque! I don't think it was regarding activity at any hour though. I just settle for "can be found active at any hour." New words are always fun.

Cool snakes!

Shane

Mark Brown · **Posted:** Sun Aug 30, 2009 2:47 am

That's a very attractive little snake - cool photos, too, as always. Wow, three Twoton posts in one day - I've got to tell you that your name is always the first thing I look for when I check FHF each morning. Your posts from Taiwan just fascinate the hell outta me. Please don't slow down! :bigthumb:

Dr. Dark · **Posted:** Sun Aug 30, 2009 4:10 am

Man, those are beautiful animals! Rear-fanged colubrids, I assume? Is the term you are looking for CREPUSCULAR, which means active at dawn and dusk? Thanks.

JustinM · **Posted:** Sun Aug 30, 2009 7:51 am

I like the third pic, makes me feel like I could see this snake stretched out this same way. Cool looking snakes. Your posts are really enjoyable and educational. I'm not sure I'll make it that way for herping, but if I do I know who to hit up!

Justin

Twoton · **Posted:** Mon Aug 31, 2009 2:19 am

Thank you for the very kind words, gents - I'll try to live up to the reputation

That's indeed a rear-fanged snake - sorry for omitting this basic info!

"Crepuscular" isn't what I was looking for - that just means active during dusk and dawn. I'm looking for a word describing animals that can be active at any time of the day and the night.

PS: As hugely as I'm flattered, I'm realistic enough to know that nobody will remember me once Onionsack (fellow expat herper here in Taiwan) starts showing his stuff here. He shoots videos of the local herpetofauna, and the awesomeness just never stops.
Look out for his upcoming post showing a Multibanded Krait swimming down a little roadside canal. If that flick won't boost air ticket sales to Taiwan, I don't know what will

Mark Brown · **Posted:** Mon Aug 31, 2009 2:28 am

Twoton wrote:

As hugely as I'm flattered, I'm realistic enough to know that nobody will remember me once Onionsack (fellow expat herper here in Taiwan) starts showing his stuff here.

As much as I enjoy your photos and, of course, the subjects of those photos, a large part of the appeal of your posts for me is the narratives. Yours are extremely interesting and highly entertaining and always well-written. I love a good herping story and yours are great. I look forward to your friend's posts, but I'll be pretty surprised if they're more enjoyable to read.

Twoton · **Posted:** Mon Aug 31, 2009 2:43 am

Thanks again, Mark, I really appreciate your appreciation! But I think Onionsack can definitely hold his own - not only does he write well, but unlike me he's actually a Gen-You-Wine English Native Speaker...

nburgmei · **Posted:** Tue Sep 01, 2009 5:05 am

Very neat snake. Having little experience it would probably fool me.

My guess at the word of the day is cathemeral? I think it matches what you're looking for.

Twoton · **Posted:** Tue Sep 01, 2009 5:09 am

Excellent! Cathemeral seems to be correct. Thanks for that!

My Herpetological Word of the Day yesterday was thanatosis, by the way :-)

Hans, werdnerd

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Two more False Taiwan Habus