Reproduction in the Madagascar leaf‐nosed snake, langaha madagascariensis (Serpentes: Colubridae: Pseudoxyrhophiinae)

Abstract

Aspects of reproduction including courtship behaviour, ovipositioning, egg characteristics, and hatchling descriptions are documented for the Madagascar leaf‐nosed snake (Langaha madagascariensis). Courtship behaviour is described from laboratory settings and takes place in vegetation above ground. Oviposition occurred at night time in August and September. Clutch sizes averaged 11 eggs. Fertile eggs measured a mean 22.6 mm long and 12.0 mm wide at oviposition, and 25.6 mm long and 15.4 mm wide one to three days before hatching. Incubation of eggs at 28 °C lasted a mean 65.3 days. Offspring consisted of eight live hatchlings and one dead full‐term baby, yielding of a sex ratio of 7:2 (Male:Female). Sexual dimorphism in both nasal extensions and colour patterns were evident immediately after hatching. Hatchlings weighed a mean 1.40 g, and measured 134.3 mm SVL and 92.9 mm TL. The first ecdysis occurred eight to 12 days after hatching. Hatchlings consumed only arboreal prey items including Anolis sagrei, Hemidactylus garnotii, H. mabouia, and H. turcicus. Hatchlings performed an unusual behaviour of hanging vertically and motionless on vegetation, which appeared to be a state of sleep.