Compsophis laphystius (Cadle, 1996)

Hutter, Carl Richard, Andriampenomanana, Zo F., Razafindraibe, Jary H., Rakotoarison, Dr. Andolalao & Scherz, Mark D., 2018, New dietary data from Compsophis and Alluaudina species (Squamata: Lamprophiidae: Pseudoxyrhophiinae), and implications for their dietary complexity and evolution, Journal of Natural History 52 (39 - 40), pp. 2497-2510 : 2502

Compsophis laphystius consuming eggs of Spinomantis peraccae in

Ranomafana National Park

During nocturnal surveys for frogs on 13 December 2013 near camp Valohoaka (21.3165°S, 47.4296°E; 1160 m asl) within Ranomafana National Park , we encountered an adult specimen of Compsophis laphystius (not collected) . The snake was found eating the eggs of a frog above a medium, swift-flowing stream ( Figure 3 ). Upon our arrival to the feeding event, the snake was startled and began to flee. Based on their appearance being identical to the eggs we observed laid by a female Spinomantis peraccae in the same stream several nights prior, we ascribe the clutch to that species.

Figures

Figure 3. Compsophis laphystius photographed about one minute after observing it eat the eggs of Spinomantis perracae. The snake was startled and began to flee after we arrived at the event.