Palaeophis toliapicus

The images on this page were taken by Jim Craig. The camera used was a Nikon Coolpix, which is capable of macro-digital photography with a focal length of 0.8 of an inch. The images show clearly the skull, which I think is inverted in the nodule, and the jaw with two undamaged teeth. The teeth appear to be rather on the large size for such a small creature. As Palaeophis t. has only previously been described through studying the vertebra, this skull, the only known specimen, presents an oportunity for the species to be redescribed by interested workers in this particular field of study. The specimen is owned by a fellow author of our book, and was found near Hensbrook several years ago. it has recently undergone extensive prep work during which the jaw was discovered for the first time.

Enlargement of snake skull with jaw exposed

Detail of the jaw and below, detail of the teeth

Below. detail of the articulated vertebrae

Click here to view Julians stunning snake specimen