Homalopsidae · Philippine record
Cerberus microlepisBOULENGER 1896
The diagnosis gives 27–31 scale rows at midbody and a mottled underside. Other Cerberus species in the comparison have fewer midbody rows. Its atlas account links 1 named island or island-group record to the source literature.
Literature updated 2026-10-07 · Editorial review pending
Explore the island records ↓Species portrait
Cerberus microlepis
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Adult · study plate
Cerberus microlepis
Image to followJuvenile · study plate
Cerberus microlepis
Image to followLife stages will be labelled from the contributor’s information. Images alone do not establish identification or a locality record.
Media provenance
Contributor images are forthcoming. Photographs and illustrations will retain their individual credits, permissions and evidence notes.
A closer look
The diagnosis gives 27–31 scale rows at midbody and a mottled underside. Other Cerberus species in the comparison have fewer midbody rows.
Literature documented · Diagnosis
Species-level database summary; literature review, not expert validation.
The cited account does not establish population-wide variation or the conditions at every Philippine locality.
The account associates this water snake with freshwater Lake Buhi on Luzon. Its restricted documented setting should not be taken as proof that every neighbouring freshwater system has been surveyed.
Literature documented · Comment: Habitat
Species-level database summary; literature review, not expert validation.
The cited account does not establish population-wide variation or the conditions at every Philippine locality.
The species account records live-bearing reproduction, using the term ovoviviparous. A verified Philippine litter-size range and reproductive calendar are not established here.
Literature documented · Reproduction field
Reproductive mode reported for this named species.
Mode alone does not establish litter or clutch size, seasonal timing, or captive husbandry requirements.
The atlas records Cerberus microlepis from these named Philippine areas: Luzon. These are literature areas rather than a continuous range boundary.
Literature documented · Existing checklist occurrence statement and distribution review
The original evidence level is retained.
A country listing cannot establish an island or a precise locality.
Cerberus microlepis is retained in the atlas’s dated checklist under Homalopsidae. The authority is BOULENGER 1896. Earlier names and the original source notes are preserved below for comparison.
Literature documented · Checklist identity and nomenclatural trail
Checklist verified 2026-09-05; not a newly revised taxonomic backbone.
Historical names can cover different biological concepts; synonyms should not be used to transfer records automatically.
Across the archipelago
Documented islands: gold · island groups: dashed circles
Island-level records · not continuous habitat coverage. Dashed circles locate groups, not individual observations.
Philippine distribution
Select an island to read its distribution record and sources. Uncoloured islands are not evidence of absence.
Philippines (Luzon: restricted to Lake Buhi) Type locality: "Philippines." [Lake Buhi, ~13°26’N 123°31’E]
The atlas records Cerberus microlepis from these named Philippine areas: Luzon. These are literature areas rather than a continuous range boundary.
The Reptile Database — species checklist, 17 June 2026 ↗Existing checklist occurrence statement and distribution review
Synopsis of the Snakes of the Philippines: A Synthesis of Data from Biodiversity Repositories, Field Studies, and the Literature ↗Existing checklist occurrence statement and distribution review
References attached to this species account. Island-specific evidence is shown separately where available.
The Reptile Database — species checklist, 17 June 2026 ↗
Cerberus microlepis — The Reptile Database species account ↗
Living with wildlife
Venom classification not yet added · Effects not yet summarised in this atlas
Observe from a distance. Do not handle, corner or capture a snake to identify it. An incomplete venom account is not evidence that a species is safe to handle.
After a suspected snakebite, keep the person still and arrange urgent medical care. Avoid tight tourniquets, cutting, suction and unproven remedies. Do not wait to identify the snake before seeking help.
WHO guidance on snakebite first aidSpecies record
Range noteCountry/island text is not a range polygon or locality record.
Philippines (Luzon: restricted to Lake Buhi) Type locality: "Philippines." [Lake Buhi, ~13°26’N 123°31’E]
Names through time
Cerberus cinereus GRAY 1849:64 (in part) Cerberus microlepis BOULENGER 1896: 18 Hurria microlepis — TAYLOR 1922: 114 Cerberus microlepis — DARNS et al. 2000 Cerberus microlepis — MURPHY et al. 2012 Cerberus microlepis — MURPHY & VORIS 2014: 12 Cerberus microlepis — WALLACH et al. 2014: 155
Habitat: This is a freshwater species. ALFARO et al. (2004) suggest that C. microlepis may prove to be an isolated freshwater ecotype of C. rynchops rather than a separate species. Lake Buhi, the type locality and only known locality of the species was formed in 1641 by an earthquake that collapsed the side of Mt Iriga and formed a dam (Alfaro et al. 2004).
Uetz, P.; Freed, P.; Aguilar, R.; Reyes, F.; Kudera, J.; Hošek, J. (eds.)
Leviton, A. E.; Siler, C. D.; Weinell, J. L.; Brown, R. M.
Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences 64(14): 399–568
Uetz, P.; Hallermann, J. et al. (editors)
Public species fields consulted for bounded biological summaries. Primary sources quoted within the database were not independently examined unless explicitly stated. The catalogue name may differ from the current source title.