Snakes of India - a comprehensive description
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About This Presentation
Guide about Snakes of India
Slide Content
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
My mother, Doris Norden Chattopadhyaya gave me my fist snuke book when T was
five, She brought me Lo Indie when ] was seven and encouraged me to pursue whet
must have seemed a weird career choice. We miss her beyond words,
My sisters, Gail and Nina and brother, Neel happily put up with srakes in the many.
places we lived. In America, legendary snakemar Bill LLaast was my gura end my
main snake hunting buddies were Heyward Clamp and Attila Beke, The Irula :cibal
srcke catchers of Tamil Nadu taught me the fine art of sreke hunting and much
che.
Friends and family here aud in many other parts of the world have helped keep the
passion for snakes on the front Surner snd Pri deeply grateful to all of them,
Janaki Lenin has been ecitor, communicator and patient partner during th: devade
Jong gestation of this book. Love her for iL
MORE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Many colleagues contribute to the development ofthe book. Jenny Daltry collected
Indian stake notes from: obscure Journals, first cottacted many of the contributing
Photographers and helped get the book moving, Others spent time, effor: and
theis exoer'se making sure we got our facts right. These include: Harry Andrews:
Ramana Athreya: Aaron Bauer; Kedar hide; Manish Chandi; 1. C. Daniel:
Indraneil Des; Shekar Dattati; Patrick David; Anslem de Silva; Jim Foster.
Bryaa Fry, Carl Gans, Andrew $. Gardner, Hemant Ghale; Samcer Ghodke:
Varad Git David Gower Wolfgang Grossmann; Andress Gumprecht:
Ralf Lermanx: Isesc Kehimkar Anil and “Anna” (Neelimkumar) Khaire:
M.A. Reza Khon; M.S. Khan; Anita Mallotra; Edmond Malo; Roy McDiarmid:
‘Anwex Mohammed: Shomen Mukherjee; Jim Murphy; Samraat Pawar, Rohan
Pethiyagoda; Arne Rasmussen; S.U. Saravanakumar, Mark O'Shea; Rick Shine
Klaus-Dieter Schulz; Rob Steubing; David Theakston; Roger Thorpe; Frank Tile
Sunjay Thakur; Gemas Vogel: Harold Voris; Frederick Wagner; Van Wallach; David
Warell: Wolfgang Waster George Zug.
We also wish to acknowledue the Andaman and Nicohar Islands Environmental
‘Team, the Center for Herpetology’ Madras Crocodile Bank Irust, the Bombay
Natural History Society, the Indian Herpetological Society, Pune, World Wide Fund
tor Nature, India.
Komulus Whitaker
Asitok Captain
My mother, Doris Norden Chattopadhyaya gave me my fist snuke book when T was
five, She brought me Lo Indie when ] was seven and encouraged me to pursue whet
must have seemed a weird career choice. We miss her beyond words,
My sisters, Gail and Nina and brother, Neel happily put up with srakes in the many.
places we lived. In America, legendary snakemar Bill LLaast was my gura end my
main snake hunting buddies were Heyward Clamp and Attila Beke, The Irula :cibal
srcke catchers of Tamil Nadu taught me the fine art of sreke hunting and much
che.
Friends and family here aud in many other parts of the world have helped keep the
passion for snakes on the front Surner snd Pri deeply grateful to all of them,
Janaki Lenin has been ecitor, communicator and patient partner during th: devade
Jong gestation of this book. Love her for iL
MORE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Many colleagues contribute to the development ofthe book. Jenny Daltry collected
Indian stake notes from: obscure Journals, first cottacted many of the contributing
Photographers and helped get the book moving, Others spent time, effor: and
theis exoer'se making sure we got our facts right. These include: Harry Andrews:
Ramana Athreya: Aaron Bauer; Kedar hide; Manish Chandi; 1. C. Daniel:
Indraneil Des; Shekar Dattati; Patrick David; Anslem de Silva; Jim Foster.
Bryaa Fry, Carl Gans, Andrew $. Gardner, Hemant Ghale; Samcer Ghodke:
Varad Git David Gower Wolfgang Grossmann; Andress Gumprecht:
Ralf Lermanx: Isesc Kehimkar Anil and “Anna” (Neelimkumar) Khaire:
M.A. Reza Khon; M.S. Khan; Anita Mallotra; Edmond Malo; Roy McDiarmid:
‘Anwex Mohammed: Shomen Mukherjee; Jim Murphy; Samraat Pawar, Rohan
Pethiyagoda; Arne Rasmussen; S.U. Saravanakumar, Mark O'Shea; Rick Shine
Klaus-Dieter Schulz; Rob Steubing; David Theakston; Roger Thorpe; Frank Tile
Sunjay Thakur; Gemas Vogel: Harold Voris; Frederick Wagner; Van Wallach; David
Warell: Wolfgang Waster George Zug.
We also wish to acknowledue the Andaman and Nicohar Islands Environmental
‘Team, the Center for Herpetology’ Madras Crocodile Bank Irust, the Bombay
Natural History Society, the Indian Herpetological Society, Pune, World Wide Fund
tor Nature, India.
Komulus Whitaker
Asitok Captain
STILL MORE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First: all the beautiful snakes featured within — without them, this book
‘wouldn't exist. Next the old timers: LE. Gray, A. C.1.G. Ganther, G. Beulenger,
K. Gharpurey, S. Minton, C. Pope, P. Russell, M. Smith and I! Wall -my knowledge
is based on their work. Many people from the remotest comers of India and the
‘world heve helped make this book possible. T could never have done this without
your help. I'm grateful to “sneke people” and my “non-snake” friends who helped
with snakes, photography, support (money), fl, fee lunches and positive energy,
which were instrumental in keeping a shee-string project alive.
ARUNACHAL PRADESH: The Forest Deparmert, especially S.R. Mehta,
SN. Kalita, Po Ringo, Mr Deo, DN. Sing’, A. Gupla Choudhury,
SS. Chasdisamani, “Loc” Llaridasan, A. Horang, B.R. Bhatt, and N. Singh: my
friends Phupla Siagoho, P. Thongon, M.C. Roy, Murthy; Bom Bahadur, log Balnadar,
Y. Upadhyay and Sanjay Deopus the Lisus of Shidi, Dawodi, Shiddi Co and Hazolo
(especially Adu Ile Me, Lasayv and Anyi, Gojatsn and Cuazadu) who adopted me
‘and shared the secrets oftheir forests; the Indian Air Vonce; the Assamı Ries
ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS: The Forest Department; dre Indian Navy
and Coas: Guard; Captain Rashid; and the Karens,
THE REST OF THR WORLD: Radhe, Abhay and Zoonie Aima; Ishan Agarwal,
Vidya Athreya; Ersch Baarucha; Abhijit and Ariket Bhupan; Nana Bhutiar;
Aysegul Birand; LSC and SHC, Naresh Chaturvedi; Preeti Chopra; Jos D'Silva;
Kailash Darole; iahesh Deshpande; Mukund Deshpande: Girish Dhere,
Monika Llach; Anton Gama; Uerish Ghatge; Subhash Ghu'e; Testa, Ashok
and Vivek GourBroome; Vithoba Hegde and many others at the BNLIS
Vikram Hoshing: Shyam Jadhay; Raji Joshi; Jay, Rajiv and Sanjay Kadapatti,
Jyoti Kalapa; Dilip Kamat; Chinmay Kanchi; Richa Kavade; Samecr Kehimkar;
Suuil Ktanzode; Rita and Ravi Khote; Rohit Kulkarni; Krushnamegs Kente:
‘Nivedita Lakhuni; Sujata Lakhani-Goel; Padamini Lama; Subodh Maniktala;
Gopal Nenavre; Anuprita Par; Paha Patwardhan; Santosh Poidar; Kerbunu and
Viral: Pudumjee; JR; Hemant Rajawade; Anil Raut; Sararg and Subas Saihe:
Oukar Sawant; Sudhir Sawant; Kiran Shah, Rasikbaai, Sanjay and Mayur Shah;
Rajan Shirke; Art Singh; Sadanand Shirsut; Subs and Pradeep Sonawane;
“Anita lahcer; Tipu laheer; Zai Whitaker. thank the Katrajand Akurd Snake Parks
Pune for allowing me to ohotograph their snakes.
Joe Slowinski ~ may you rest easy in Ihe green mountains, my friend
Ashok Captain
INVISIBLE PEOPLE,
‘This book would be incomplete without us acknowledging those behind the scenes
{it's a thankless job and they did it).
India: Pune ~ Angelo Lima Fernandes and Pritam Nehar of Kezlity Information
Systems Pvt. Lid. (www.realiyinto.com) gave us free run of thei: office and cole
machine, Yogesh More and Gajanan Kothawale worked miracles removing “dust
and scratches” from sometimes bleak, scanned images. Llyderasad — P. Narendra,
Venkat, K. Ramakrishna Prasad, A. S. Raju, J. Vijay Kumar, B. Srinivase Rao and
8. Naveen Krishna at Pragati Offset Pvi. Ltd. (wwwpragati.com) all contributed
to the printing of this book. We've heen Fortunate to have access to. some of the
best scanning and printing facilities in the world. Chennai — Janaki Lenin helped.
'sandardize” the species descriptions and Vidya Sigameny did the language edi.
Sisish Rao help to get a ISBN number.
Germany : Frank Tillack went through several earlier crafts of our descriptions and
heiped baild the checklist, Andreas Gumprecht fine-combed the pi. viper section.
rence — Patrick David dug out several ancient references for our checklist and was
always there so field murky taxouounic acid Lavin dilenunas
America — Aaron Bauer edited te entire text and sorted out several desperate
un mail”. Frederick Wagner checked and contributed to our kukri
snake descriptions; Van Wallach, dite worm snakes; Harold Voris checked the water
Snakes’ descriptions.
United Kingdom
do the calle
Wolfgang Wester (cobras); David Gower (our viral “a
ion of the Natural History Museum, Lordon).
Malaysia — Indraneil Des (for having replied to several years of frantic e-mails,
Roms Whitaker
Ashok Captain
PHOTO CREDIT ABBREVIATIONS
AC -Ashok Cupain AmitC=Amit Chuvan AdS Anslem de Silva
AG- Andreas Gumprecht AM - Anees Mohammeé JCD - Jennifer. Daltıy
KU Kedar Bhide ET - Frank Tilack MOS - Mark O'Shea
RH-RalfHermann RW~Romnulus Whitaker SG - Suncer Ghodke
VG - Varad Giri WW- Wolfgang Wüster WG - Wolfgang Grossmann.
First: all the beautiful snakes featured within — without them, this book
‘wouldn't exist. Next the old timers: LE. Gray, A. C.1.G. Ganther, G. Beulenger,
K. Gharpurey, S. Minton, C. Pope, P. Russell, M. Smith and I! Wall -my knowledge
is based on their work. Many people from the remotest comers of India and the
‘world heve helped make this book possible. T could never have done this without
your help. I'm grateful to “sneke people” and my “non-snake” friends who helped
with snakes, photography, support (money), fl, fee lunches and positive energy,
which were instrumental in keeping a shee-string project alive.
ARUNACHAL PRADESH: The Forest Deparmert, especially S.R. Mehta,
SN. Kalita, Po Ringo, Mr Deo, DN. Sing’, A. Gupla Choudhury,
SS. Chasdisamani, “Loc” Llaridasan, A. Horang, B.R. Bhatt, and N. Singh: my
friends Phupla Siagoho, P. Thongon, M.C. Roy, Murthy; Bom Bahadur, log Balnadar,
Y. Upadhyay and Sanjay Deopus the Lisus of Shidi, Dawodi, Shiddi Co and Hazolo
(especially Adu Ile Me, Lasayv and Anyi, Gojatsn and Cuazadu) who adopted me
‘and shared the secrets oftheir forests; the Indian Air Vonce; the Assamı Ries
ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS: The Forest Department; dre Indian Navy
and Coas: Guard; Captain Rashid; and the Karens,
THE REST OF THR WORLD: Radhe, Abhay and Zoonie Aima; Ishan Agarwal,
Vidya Athreya; Ersch Baarucha; Abhijit and Ariket Bhupan; Nana Bhutiar;
Aysegul Birand; LSC and SHC, Naresh Chaturvedi; Preeti Chopra; Jos D'Silva;
Kailash Darole; iahesh Deshpande; Mukund Deshpande: Girish Dhere,
Monika Llach; Anton Gama; Uerish Ghatge; Subhash Ghu'e; Testa, Ashok
and Vivek GourBroome; Vithoba Hegde and many others at the BNLIS
Vikram Hoshing: Shyam Jadhay; Raji Joshi; Jay, Rajiv and Sanjay Kadapatti,
Jyoti Kalapa; Dilip Kamat; Chinmay Kanchi; Richa Kavade; Samecr Kehimkar;
Suuil Ktanzode; Rita and Ravi Khote; Rohit Kulkarni; Krushnamegs Kente:
‘Nivedita Lakhuni; Sujata Lakhani-Goel; Padamini Lama; Subodh Maniktala;
Gopal Nenavre; Anuprita Par; Paha Patwardhan; Santosh Poidar; Kerbunu and
Viral: Pudumjee; JR; Hemant Rajawade; Anil Raut; Sararg and Subas Saihe:
Oukar Sawant; Sudhir Sawant; Kiran Shah, Rasikbaai, Sanjay and Mayur Shah;
Rajan Shirke; Art Singh; Sadanand Shirsut; Subs and Pradeep Sonawane;
“Anita lahcer; Tipu laheer; Zai Whitaker. thank the Katrajand Akurd Snake Parks
Pune for allowing me to ohotograph their snakes.
Joe Slowinski ~ may you rest easy in Ihe green mountains, my friend
Ashok Captain
INVISIBLE PEOPLE,
‘This book would be incomplete without us acknowledging those behind the scenes
{it's a thankless job and they did it).
India: Pune ~ Angelo Lima Fernandes and Pritam Nehar of Kezlity Information
Systems Pvt. Lid. (www.realiyinto.com) gave us free run of thei: office and cole
machine, Yogesh More and Gajanan Kothawale worked miracles removing “dust
and scratches” from sometimes bleak, scanned images. Llyderasad — P. Narendra,
Venkat, K. Ramakrishna Prasad, A. S. Raju, J. Vijay Kumar, B. Srinivase Rao and
8. Naveen Krishna at Pragati Offset Pvi. Ltd. (wwwpragati.com) all contributed
to the printing of this book. We've heen Fortunate to have access to. some of the
best scanning and printing facilities in the world. Chennai — Janaki Lenin helped.
'sandardize” the species descriptions and Vidya Sigameny did the language edi.
Sisish Rao help to get a ISBN number.
Germany : Frank Tillack went through several earlier crafts of our descriptions and
heiped baild the checklist, Andreas Gumprecht fine-combed the pi. viper section.
rence — Patrick David dug out several ancient references for our checklist and was
always there so field murky taxouounic acid Lavin dilenunas
America — Aaron Bauer edited te entire text and sorted out several desperate
un mail”. Frederick Wagner checked and contributed to our kukri
snake descriptions; Van Wallach, dite worm snakes; Harold Voris checked the water
Snakes’ descriptions.
United Kingdom
do the calle
Wolfgang Wester (cobras); David Gower (our viral “a
ion of the Natural History Museum, Lordon).
Malaysia — Indraneil Des (for having replied to several years of frantic e-mails,
Roms Whitaker
Ashok Captain
PHOTO CREDIT ABBREVIATIONS
AC -Ashok Cupain AmitC=Amit Chuvan AdS Anslem de Silva
AG- Andreas Gumprecht AM - Anees Mohammeé JCD - Jennifer. Daltıy
KU Kedar Bhide ET - Frank Tilack MOS - Mark O'Shea
RH-RalfHermann RW~Romnulus Whitaker SG - Suncer Ghodke
VG - Varad Giri WW- Wolfgang Wüster WG - Wolfgang Grossmann.
ANDAMAN COBRA Maja su
Noch Wao Sut Anden and a
FOREWORD
From small beginnings, wondrous things grow. The acorn to stately ouk rce is am
appropriate analogy forte present Srukes of Indi. In 1978, Rom Whitaker published
his Common Indian Snakes: A Field Guide, That small guide conteined accounts tor
30 snake species, The present work has metamorphosed into a substantially larger
‘nd moze comprehensive guide to Indian scckes sud au increuibly atractive one
through the photographie talents of Ashok Capt'n.
Snakes fascinate all of us, even if that fascication is terifying for som
For others, the fascination borders on addiction. Rort and Ashok are sneke addicts,
Their ediiction is a beneficial one, beceuse it has led them: to share their addiction:
nowledge anc fascination with snakes and their biology — with all of us. There
is much information to share und a book for laies cunno: include i al, but even the
professional herpctologis! will find new observations and useful suramaries of older
«lata here. [mined Common indian Snakes for both my scientific and popular waiting,
and undoubtedly 1 will become as dependent, perhaps addicied, to this version as
well. The importance of this new Snakes of India is that it summerizes more thar:
half the Indian snake fauna, telling us both wiet is known and the incredible amount
remaining to be discovered. I hope both aspects will encourage users lo broador and
deeper studies of Indian soak
niivieinals,
low many snake species occur in India and its northem bordering nations? T do not
have an accurate count. Buulenger listed 264 species in 1890, Das listed 258 species
in bis 1996 biogeography of Indian reptiles. Seemingly during the past 100 year:
systematic studies of Indian snakes have taxonomically eliminated more species
than were discovered. Although this susull may seem unlikely, the numbers speak
for Ihemseives und reflect changes in evolutionary concepts and taxonomie practice,
Boulenger ’s approach was strongly typological. He had a remarkably perceptive
“taxonomic eye.” considering is unfamiliarity with sand his
recognized species largely porvist, Malcolm Smith was somewhat less typo.ogical
1 his thirking, and he noted the varieties and color morphs within widespread
species, although not providing formal names for them. His 1943 volume served
and continues to serv us, bul a new base ix required that reflects a phylogenetic
interprewt‘or of Asian snakes, Wüster and colleagues eve shown us that Naja is not
a widespread polytypic species, but rather represents multiple lineages, Numerous
other Asian snake “species” still harbor multiple species under the guise of being
à widespread species where uniformity is assumed because no one has seriously
examined geographic variation, Frog systematists have begun to test this widespread.
species concept and, with few exceptions, Iney huve discovered that Lis incorrect
Itis no more likely to he true for snakes and lizards, as demonstrated by the cobra.
sly. What does the preceding have to do with number of species? In Peninsular
India, one cobra became three cobras ~ monocled cobra, speclacted cobra and
ential Asian cobra
Noch Wao Sut Anden and a
FOREWORD
From small beginnings, wondrous things grow. The acorn to stately ouk rce is am
appropriate analogy forte present Srukes of Indi. In 1978, Rom Whitaker published
his Common Indian Snakes: A Field Guide, That small guide conteined accounts tor
30 snake species, The present work has metamorphosed into a substantially larger
‘nd moze comprehensive guide to Indian scckes sud au increuibly atractive one
through the photographie talents of Ashok Capt'n.
Snakes fascinate all of us, even if that fascication is terifying for som
For others, the fascination borders on addiction. Rort and Ashok are sneke addicts,
Their ediiction is a beneficial one, beceuse it has led them: to share their addiction:
nowledge anc fascination with snakes and their biology — with all of us. There
is much information to share und a book for laies cunno: include i al, but even the
professional herpctologis! will find new observations and useful suramaries of older
«lata here. [mined Common indian Snakes for both my scientific and popular waiting,
and undoubtedly 1 will become as dependent, perhaps addicied, to this version as
well. The importance of this new Snakes of India is that it summerizes more thar:
half the Indian snake fauna, telling us both wiet is known and the incredible amount
remaining to be discovered. I hope both aspects will encourage users lo broador and
deeper studies of Indian soak
niivieinals,
low many snake species occur in India and its northem bordering nations? T do not
have an accurate count. Buulenger listed 264 species in 1890, Das listed 258 species
in bis 1996 biogeography of Indian reptiles. Seemingly during the past 100 year:
systematic studies of Indian snakes have taxonomically eliminated more species
than were discovered. Although this susull may seem unlikely, the numbers speak
for Ihemseives und reflect changes in evolutionary concepts and taxonomie practice,
Boulenger ’s approach was strongly typological. He had a remarkably perceptive
“taxonomic eye.” considering is unfamiliarity with sand his
recognized species largely porvist, Malcolm Smith was somewhat less typo.ogical
1 his thirking, and he noted the varieties and color morphs within widespread
species, although not providing formal names for them. His 1943 volume served
and continues to serv us, bul a new base ix required that reflects a phylogenetic
interprewt‘or of Asian snakes, Wüster and colleagues eve shown us that Naja is not
a widespread polytypic species, but rather represents multiple lineages, Numerous
other Asian snake “species” still harbor multiple species under the guise of being
à widespread species where uniformity is assumed because no one has seriously
examined geographic variation, Frog systematists have begun to test this widespread.
species concept and, with few exceptions, Iney huve discovered that Lis incorrect
Itis no more likely to he true for snakes and lizards, as demonstrated by the cobra.
sly. What does the preceding have to do with number of species? In Peninsular
India, one cobra became three cobras ~ monocled cobra, speclacted cobra and
ential Asian cobra
“There is another aspect to the numbers game: biodiversity Inventory with retention
and study of voucher specimens. Indian local faunas are regularly inventoried
Unfortunately, I have'the impression that the inventories frequently do not zetain
vouchers, and where voucher specimens are retained, he voucher are “identified”
or studied. How many new species remain undiscovered because of these
two aspects? Likely 10-12% of the currently known fauna! When we began our
herpetofaunal inventory of Myanmar in 1997, we estimated the snake fauaa to
consist of 144 species. At the end of 2003, our Inventory suggest a minimum of 162
species, and that estimate does not include preliminary evidence suggesting multiple
species hidimy beneath the assumed taxonomic uniformiry of widespread species.
‘Thus, 300 species is a reasonable guess for the total Indian snake fauna. I hope that
Rom's and Ashok's summary of the better known species will stimulate more and
better scientific observations on all Indian snakes, leading both to the discovery of
new species and to a more complete understanding of the biology of all species. That
will be a major success, Additionally, the book's success among those of us sharing
the authors’ fascination with snake biology will ensure that the book becomes
available to a wider audience of Indians and allows them to share our faseination and
respect for these marvelous animals. Knowledge and respect are the only assurance
of the conservation and survival ofthe full diversity of Indian snakes.
George Zug
‘Smithsonian Institution
CONTENTS
‘What this book is about
Introduction to snakes in general
Checklist of the snakes of India.
Introduction to snakes covered in this book
Species descriptions
‘Worm Snakes
1, Brahmiry Worm Snake Ramphonypi
2. Diard's Worm Snake Typifops dard
3. Beúdome's Worm Snake Typhlops beddome!
4, Beaked Worm Snake Grypotyphlops acutus
dbel y Shiclétail Melanophidium pumetatum
Wall's Shieldtail Lraciyephidium rhodogaster
cirrus perrotetié
Ellio’s Shieldiil Uropelts elliot
Large-sealed Shieldtail Uropeltis macrolepis macrolepis
10. Mahableshwar Shieldtail Uropeitis macrolepis mahabieshwarensis
11. Periyur Shieldtail Uropeltis arcticeps madurensis
12, Phipson’s Shieldtail. Uropeltis plupsonu
13, Ashambu Shieldtail Uropeltis liura
Sunbeam Snakex
14. Sunbeam Snake Xenopeltis unicoior
Pythons,
15. Indian Rock Python Python molurus malus
16. Burmese Python Python molurus bivittanus
17. Revieutated Python Python reticulatus
mon Sand Boa Gongylophis conicus
19, Red Sand Boa Fix johnii
20. Whitaker's Boa Lx whitakeri
16
3
46
48
50
2
54
58
62
68
70
74
76
78
80
2
sa
86
and study of voucher specimens. Indian local faunas are regularly inventoried
Unfortunately, I have'the impression that the inventories frequently do not zetain
vouchers, and where voucher specimens are retained, he voucher are “identified”
or studied. How many new species remain undiscovered because of these
two aspects? Likely 10-12% of the currently known fauna! When we began our
herpetofaunal inventory of Myanmar in 1997, we estimated the snake fauaa to
consist of 144 species. At the end of 2003, our Inventory suggest a minimum of 162
species, and that estimate does not include preliminary evidence suggesting multiple
species hidimy beneath the assumed taxonomic uniformiry of widespread species.
‘Thus, 300 species is a reasonable guess for the total Indian snake fauna. I hope that
Rom's and Ashok's summary of the better known species will stimulate more and
better scientific observations on all Indian snakes, leading both to the discovery of
new species and to a more complete understanding of the biology of all species. That
will be a major success, Additionally, the book's success among those of us sharing
the authors’ fascination with snake biology will ensure that the book becomes
available to a wider audience of Indians and allows them to share our faseination and
respect for these marvelous animals. Knowledge and respect are the only assurance
of the conservation and survival ofthe full diversity of Indian snakes.
George Zug
‘Smithsonian Institution
CONTENTS
‘What this book is about
Introduction to snakes in general
Checklist of the snakes of India.
Introduction to snakes covered in this book
Species descriptions
‘Worm Snakes
1, Brahmiry Worm Snake Ramphonypi
2. Diard's Worm Snake Typifops dard
3. Beúdome's Worm Snake Typhlops beddome!
4, Beaked Worm Snake Grypotyphlops acutus
dbel y Shiclétail Melanophidium pumetatum
Wall's Shieldtail Lraciyephidium rhodogaster
cirrus perrotetié
Ellio’s Shieldiil Uropelts elliot
Large-sealed Shieldtail Uropeltis macrolepis macrolepis
10. Mahableshwar Shieldtail Uropeitis macrolepis mahabieshwarensis
11. Periyur Shieldtail Uropeltis arcticeps madurensis
12, Phipson’s Shieldtail. Uropeltis plupsonu
13, Ashambu Shieldtail Uropeltis liura
Sunbeam Snakex
14. Sunbeam Snake Xenopeltis unicoior
Pythons,
15. Indian Rock Python Python molurus malus
16. Burmese Python Python molurus bivittanus
17. Revieutated Python Python reticulatus
mon Sand Boa Gongylophis conicus
19, Red Sand Boa Fix johnii
20. Whitaker's Boa Lx whitakeri
16
3
46
48
50
2
54
58
62
68
70
74
76
78
80
2
sa
86
Snaikeaters
21. Darjeeling Snail-cater Pareas macularius
File Snakes
22, Vile Snake Acrochordus granulanus
Trinket Snakes
23. Green Trinket Snake Blaphe prasina
24. Khasi Hills Triaket Snake Elaphe frenata
25. Red-tailed Trinket Snake Gonyosoma oxycephalum
26. Copper-headed Trinket Snake Coelognathns radians
27. Black-tailed Trinket Snake Coelognatinis flavolineatus
28. Common Trinket Snake Coelognaikus heiena helena
29. Montane Trinket Snake Coelognathus helena monticollaris
30. Striped Leimket Snake Orthriophis tacniurus yunnanensis
31. Himalayan Tricket Snake Orthriophis hodesonii
32. Eastern Trinket Snake Orthriophis camions:
33. Banded Trinket Snake Elaphe porphyracea porphyracea
34, Mandarin Trinket Snake Euprepiophis mandarinus
Rat Snakes
35, Indian Rat Snake Peyas mucosa
36. Indo-Chinese Rat Snake Pry korres
37. Green Rat Snake Piyas migromarginata
Racers
38. Glossy-bellied Racer Coluber vemromaculatvs
39, Waster Cliff Racer Coluber fadacensis
40. Banded Racer Argyrogena fasciolata
AL, Slender Racer Coluber gracilis
Royal Snakes
42, Black-headed Royal Snake Spalerasophis amiveps
43. Red-spotied Royal Snake Spalerosophis arenarius
Stripe-necked Snakes
44. Ganther’s Stripe-necked Snake Liopelrs frenata
Ayl-headed Snakes
345. Sind Awl-headed Snake Iytorhynehns paradorus
Indian Smooth Snake
46. Indian Smoot
uike Coronella hrachyura
94
ES
100
104
106
108
110
12
ng
116
118
120
122
124
128
130
134
136
138
142
146
150
154
156
Kaki Snakes
47. Wbite-barred Kukri Snake Oiigodon albocinetus
48, Russells Kukri Snake Oligodon raeniolatas.
49. Common Kukri Snake Ofigadon arnensis
50. Western Kukri Snake Oligodon afinis
51. Nikhil's Kukri Snake Ollgodon nithiti
1d Bronzeback Tree Snake Dendrelaphis pictus
$3. Green Bronzeback Tree Snake Dendrelaphis cyanochtoris
Sd. Large-eyed Bronzeback Tree Snake Dendrelaphis grandoculis
55. Common Bronzeback Tree Snake Dendrelaphis mistis
Flying Snakes
56. Ornate Flying Snake Chrssopelea ornata
57. Paradiso Flying Snake Chrysopelea paradisi
‘Wolf Snakes
58. Travancore Wolf Snake Lycodon travancorics
59. Laotian Wolf Snake Tycndon iavensis ‘
60. Yellow-speckled Wolf Snake Iycoden jara
61. Barred Wolf Snake Lrcodon striatus
62. Yellowspotted Wul Snake Lycodon flavomaculatrs
63. Common Wolf Snake Zyeadon aulicus
64. Oriental Wolf Snake Lycodon capucinus
65. Zaw's Wolf Snake Lycodon zum
Bridal Snakes
66. Bridal Snake Drvocaiamus nympha
Black-headed Snakes
67. Collared Black-headed Snake Sibynophis collaris
68. Duméril's Black-headed Snake Sibyaophis subpunctatus
Keelbacks and False Cobras
Venning’s Keelback Amphiesma verningi
Khasi Hills Keelback Amphiesma Bhasiense
+ Cherrapunji Keelback Amphiesma xenura
Checkered Keelback Xeaoehrophis piscator
St. John’s Keelback Xenochrophis saneiiohannis
. Andaman Keelback Xenochrophis melanzostus
Triangle-spotted Keelback Xexochrophis rianguligerns
Limalayan Keelback Rhebdophishimalayarus
Red-necked Keelback Rabdophissuivminianus
160
162
168
170
192
174
178
182
184
188
190
192
194
196
198
202
204
206
208
210
212
214
218
220
22
224
226
228
230
232
21. Darjeeling Snail-cater Pareas macularius
File Snakes
22, Vile Snake Acrochordus granulanus
Trinket Snakes
23. Green Trinket Snake Blaphe prasina
24. Khasi Hills Triaket Snake Elaphe frenata
25. Red-tailed Trinket Snake Gonyosoma oxycephalum
26. Copper-headed Trinket Snake Coelognathns radians
27. Black-tailed Trinket Snake Coelognatinis flavolineatus
28. Common Trinket Snake Coelognaikus heiena helena
29. Montane Trinket Snake Coelognathus helena monticollaris
30. Striped Leimket Snake Orthriophis tacniurus yunnanensis
31. Himalayan Tricket Snake Orthriophis hodesonii
32. Eastern Trinket Snake Orthriophis camions:
33. Banded Trinket Snake Elaphe porphyracea porphyracea
34, Mandarin Trinket Snake Euprepiophis mandarinus
Rat Snakes
35, Indian Rat Snake Peyas mucosa
36. Indo-Chinese Rat Snake Pry korres
37. Green Rat Snake Piyas migromarginata
Racers
38. Glossy-bellied Racer Coluber vemromaculatvs
39, Waster Cliff Racer Coluber fadacensis
40. Banded Racer Argyrogena fasciolata
AL, Slender Racer Coluber gracilis
Royal Snakes
42, Black-headed Royal Snake Spalerasophis amiveps
43. Red-spotied Royal Snake Spalerosophis arenarius
Stripe-necked Snakes
44. Ganther’s Stripe-necked Snake Liopelrs frenata
Ayl-headed Snakes
345. Sind Awl-headed Snake Iytorhynehns paradorus
Indian Smooth Snake
46. Indian Smoot
uike Coronella hrachyura
94
ES
100
104
106
108
110
12
ng
116
118
120
122
124
128
130
134
136
138
142
146
150
154
156
Kaki Snakes
47. Wbite-barred Kukri Snake Oiigodon albocinetus
48, Russells Kukri Snake Oligodon raeniolatas.
49. Common Kukri Snake Ofigadon arnensis
50. Western Kukri Snake Oligodon afinis
51. Nikhil's Kukri Snake Ollgodon nithiti
1d Bronzeback Tree Snake Dendrelaphis pictus
$3. Green Bronzeback Tree Snake Dendrelaphis cyanochtoris
Sd. Large-eyed Bronzeback Tree Snake Dendrelaphis grandoculis
55. Common Bronzeback Tree Snake Dendrelaphis mistis
Flying Snakes
56. Ornate Flying Snake Chrssopelea ornata
57. Paradiso Flying Snake Chrysopelea paradisi
‘Wolf Snakes
58. Travancore Wolf Snake Lycodon travancorics
59. Laotian Wolf Snake Tycndon iavensis ‘
60. Yellow-speckled Wolf Snake Iycoden jara
61. Barred Wolf Snake Lrcodon striatus
62. Yellowspotted Wul Snake Lycodon flavomaculatrs
63. Common Wolf Snake Zyeadon aulicus
64. Oriental Wolf Snake Lycodon capucinus
65. Zaw's Wolf Snake Lycodon zum
Bridal Snakes
66. Bridal Snake Drvocaiamus nympha
Black-headed Snakes
67. Collared Black-headed Snake Sibynophis collaris
68. Duméril's Black-headed Snake Sibyaophis subpunctatus
Keelbacks and False Cobras
Venning’s Keelback Amphiesma verningi
Khasi Hills Keelback Amphiesma Bhasiense
+ Cherrapunji Keelback Amphiesma xenura
Checkered Keelback Xeaoehrophis piscator
St. John’s Keelback Xenochrophis saneiiohannis
. Andaman Keelback Xenochrophis melanzostus
Triangle-spotted Keelback Xexochrophis rianguligerns
Limalayan Keelback Rhebdophishimalayarus
Red-necked Keelback Rabdophissuivminianus
160
162
168
170
192
174
178
182
184
188
190
192
194
196
198
202
204
206
208
210
212
214
218
220
22
224
226
228
230
232
73. Striped Keelback Amphiesma stolatum
79. Himalayan Mountain Keelback Amphiesma platyceps
80. Beddome's Keelback Amphiesma beddomei
81, Hill Keelbeck Amphiesma monticola
82, False Cobra Pseudoxenodon macrons
83, Green Keelback Macropisthodon plumbicolor
84. Olive Keelback Airetium schistosum
Oriental Slemler Snakes
85. Olive Oriental Slender Saake Trachischium lacve
Forest Snakes
86. Olive Forest Snake Riabdops olivaceus
Iridescent Snake
87. Tridescent Snake Alyfhta reticulata
Narrow-headed Snakes
$8. Striped Narrow-headod Snake Xplaphis perroteti
89, Güncher's Narrow-headed Snake Aylophis stenorkynchus
Cat Snakes
90. Large-spotted Cat Snake Boiga multomacilata
91. Tawny Cat Snake Boiga ochracea
92. Common Cat Snake Boia trigonata
93. Fastem Cat Snake Boiga gokoo!
94, Ceylon Cat Snake Boiga ceyionensis
95. Beddome's Cat Snake Boga bedliumei
96. Andaman Cat Snake Boiga andamanensis
97. Green Cat Snake Boiga cyanea
98, Many-banded Cat Snake Boiga multifasciuta
99. Eyed Cat Snake Boiga ocellata
100.Forsten's Cat Snake Boiga forsteni
101.Nicobar Cat Snake Boiga wallachi
Sand Snakes
102.Afro-Asian Sand Sueke Bsammophis schokuri
103. Cordanarus Sand Snake Psammopins condanarus
104.Siout Sand Snzke Psammophis fongifrons
105.Leith’s Sand Snake Psammophis eii
Mock Vipers
106. Mock Viper Psammodynastes pulverulentus
234
28
242
246
250
256
260
262
264
Vine Snakes
107. Gündher’s Vine Snake Ahaelutla dispar
108. Saort-nosed Vine Snake Ahaenulla prasina
109.Com:mon Vine Snake Ahaetulta
110.Brown Vine Snake ¿haetuila puiveruienta
Smooth-scaled Water Snakes
111, Plumbeoas Smooth-scaled Water Snake Enhyetris plumbea
112. Common Smooth-sceled Water Snake Enfydris enhydris
113 Siebold’s Smooth-scaled Water Snake Enhyois siebolaii
Brackish Water Snakes
114, Dog-faced Water Snake Cerberus rynchope
115.Glossy Marsh Snake Granda prevostian
116.Crab-eating Watersucke Fordonia leucobalía
117. Yellow-banded Mangrove Snake Cantoria violacea
Kraits
118. Banded Krait Bungarus fasciatus
119, Common Krait Mumgarus caerule
120. Ardaman Krait Bungarus andamanensis
121. Bluek Krait Bungarus niger
122. Wall’s Sind Krait Bungarus sindanus walli
Coral Snakes
123 Slender Coral Snake Catliophis melanurus
124, Striped Corel Sneke Calliophis nigrescens
125.Macclelland's Coral Snake Sinomierurus maccieltandi
Cobras
126.Speciacled Cobra Naja naja
127.Monocled Cobra Naja kaouthia
128.Andeman Cobra Naja sagittifera
129.Central Asian Cobra Naja oxiana
King Cobra
130.King Cobra Ophiophagus hannah
Sea Snakes
131. Yellow-lipped Sea Krait Laticanda colubrina
132.Jerdon’s Sea Snake Kerilia jerdonit
133. Hook-nased Sea Snake Enindrina schisiosa.
154. Aamulated Sea Snake Hydrophis cyanoeinetus
135.Cochin Banded Sea Snake Hydrophis ornatus.
322
324
328
332
354
336
338
340
344
348
350
352
354
35%
360
362
386
388
390
392
394
79. Himalayan Mountain Keelback Amphiesma platyceps
80. Beddome's Keelback Amphiesma beddomei
81, Hill Keelbeck Amphiesma monticola
82, False Cobra Pseudoxenodon macrons
83, Green Keelback Macropisthodon plumbicolor
84. Olive Keelback Airetium schistosum
Oriental Slemler Snakes
85. Olive Oriental Slender Saake Trachischium lacve
Forest Snakes
86. Olive Forest Snake Riabdops olivaceus
Iridescent Snake
87. Tridescent Snake Alyfhta reticulata
Narrow-headed Snakes
$8. Striped Narrow-headod Snake Xplaphis perroteti
89, Güncher's Narrow-headed Snake Aylophis stenorkynchus
Cat Snakes
90. Large-spotted Cat Snake Boiga multomacilata
91. Tawny Cat Snake Boiga ochracea
92. Common Cat Snake Boia trigonata
93. Fastem Cat Snake Boiga gokoo!
94, Ceylon Cat Snake Boiga ceyionensis
95. Beddome's Cat Snake Boga bedliumei
96. Andaman Cat Snake Boiga andamanensis
97. Green Cat Snake Boiga cyanea
98, Many-banded Cat Snake Boiga multifasciuta
99. Eyed Cat Snake Boiga ocellata
100.Forsten's Cat Snake Boiga forsteni
101.Nicobar Cat Snake Boiga wallachi
Sand Snakes
102.Afro-Asian Sand Sueke Bsammophis schokuri
103. Cordanarus Sand Snake Psammopins condanarus
104.Siout Sand Snzke Psammophis fongifrons
105.Leith’s Sand Snake Psammophis eii
Mock Vipers
106. Mock Viper Psammodynastes pulverulentus
234
28
242
246
250
256
260
262
264
Vine Snakes
107. Gündher’s Vine Snake Ahaelutla dispar
108. Saort-nosed Vine Snake Ahaenulla prasina
109.Com:mon Vine Snake Ahaetulta
110.Brown Vine Snake ¿haetuila puiveruienta
Smooth-scaled Water Snakes
111, Plumbeoas Smooth-scaled Water Snake Enhyetris plumbea
112. Common Smooth-sceled Water Snake Enfydris enhydris
113 Siebold’s Smooth-scaled Water Snake Enhyois siebolaii
Brackish Water Snakes
114, Dog-faced Water Snake Cerberus rynchope
115.Glossy Marsh Snake Granda prevostian
116.Crab-eating Watersucke Fordonia leucobalía
117. Yellow-banded Mangrove Snake Cantoria violacea
Kraits
118. Banded Krait Bungarus fasciatus
119, Common Krait Mumgarus caerule
120. Ardaman Krait Bungarus andamanensis
121. Bluek Krait Bungarus niger
122. Wall’s Sind Krait Bungarus sindanus walli
Coral Snakes
123 Slender Coral Snake Catliophis melanurus
124, Striped Corel Sneke Calliophis nigrescens
125.Macclelland's Coral Snake Sinomierurus maccieltandi
Cobras
126.Speciacled Cobra Naja naja
127.Monocled Cobra Naja kaouthia
128.Andeman Cobra Naja sagittifera
129.Central Asian Cobra Naja oxiana
King Cobra
130.King Cobra Ophiophagus hannah
Sea Snakes
131. Yellow-lipped Sea Krait Laticanda colubrina
132.Jerdon’s Sea Snake Kerilia jerdonit
133. Hook-nased Sea Snake Enindrina schisiosa.
154. Aamulated Sea Snake Hydrophis cyanoeinetus
135.Cochin Banded Sea Snake Hydrophis ornatus.
322
324
328
332
354
336
338
340
344
348
350
352
354
35%
360
362
386
388
390
392
394
136 Malacca Sea Snake Hydrophis caerulescens
137.Short Sea Snake Lapemis curtus
138. Large-headed Sea Snake Asirotia stokesit
139.Black and Yellow Sea Snake Pelamis platurus
Vipers
140.Russell’s Viper Daboia russelii
141.Levantine Viper Macrovipera lebetina
142,Saw-sealed Viper Æchis carinatus
Pit Vipers
143. Himalayan Pit Viper Gloydius himalayanus
144 Hump-nosed Pit Viper Hypnale inpnale
145. Large-sealed Pit Viper Trimeresurus macrolepis
146. Mountain Pit Viper Ovophis monticola
147. Jerdon’s Pit Viper Protobothvops jerdonit
148. Malabar Pit Viper Trimeresurus malabaricus
149. Horseshoe Pit Viper Trimeresurus srigatus
150.Bamboo Pit Viper Trimeresurus gramineus
151. Medo Pit Viper Trimeresurus medoensis
152 Pope's Pit Viper Trimeresurus popeiorum
153.Cantors Pit Viper Trimeresurus cantori
154, Andaman Pit Viper Trimeresurus anderson
155.Spot-tailed Pit Viper Irimeresurus erythrurus
156 White-lipped Pit Viper Trimeresurus albolabris
157.Nieober Pit Viper Trimeresurus labialis
Index to common names
Index to scientific names
ar
396
398
400
402
404
408
410
414
418
42
426
428
430
434
436
440
442
446
454
¿+ WHAT THIS BOOK IS ABOUT
Snakes fascinate us more than any other animals on earth. Because people don’t
know much about them, soakes are misunderstood and feared. In India most of our
snekes are absolutely harmless to humans while four species are responsible for
thousands of deaths each year. Indian snakes range in size from & few centimeters
to almost ten meters in length, Snakes live in scorching deserts, humid forests, cool
hill ranges, in lakes, streams, and even in the sea. The variety of colors and patterns
rivals the butterflies while their grace and fluidity are unmatched in nature. Snake
behavior and adaptations are endlessly exciting but the first step is to be able to
identify them.
This book illustrates and describes 157 of the over 270 species of snakes in India.
Aside from the many endemic snakes found only in India, (including the shieldtail
cakes and some other species in the Western Ghats and Northeast), many of these
srakes are also found in neighboring countries which makes this a helpful reference
for all of South Asia
The last comprehensive book on Indian snakes was Malcolm Smith's book
“Serpentes”, Volume Ill of the Fauna of British India series, published back in 1943,
It is still the most complete scientific work on snakes of our region and anyone
who wants to study snakes seriously must get a copy! While this book aims to be
a popular field guide, the addition of scalation details in each description makes it
useful for specialists as well. Some snake names have been changed in the last 60
years. The old names are also given in the Checklist of the snakes of India.
On page 14 there is a list of books which describe the physiology, ecology, and
behavior of snakes. While this book will touch upon these fascinating, aspects,
main purpose is to provide a simple means of identifying snakes encountered
India. A good, clear, colour photograph is usually the best aid to identifying a snake.
Other things which can be very helpful are whether the snake is stout or thin, fast or
slow, in the water, up in a tree or underground, whether it is active by day or night
and the geographic arca where it is found, Many snakes hide during the hot summer
torpid state called estivation, Their “release” comes with the monsoon
Snakes in colder parts of North India hibernate during the winter months. You
often only get a glimpse of a snake and they are sometimes not easy to tell apart.
‘When you next see one pay attention to color, patter, size, head and body shape.
Look for obvious differences: thin neck, triangular head: shape of eye pupil; keeled
‘or smooth scales; small or large scales on the head; tail long and thin or stout and
blunt.
‚There are over 270 different species of snakes in India but depending on where you
live there are likely to be only a fraction of those in a single region. By following the
steps below you can narrow down your choices. First, look at jhe different groups of
snakes and you will soon see thatthe long thin ones are often tree snakes, short stout
1
137.Short Sea Snake Lapemis curtus
138. Large-headed Sea Snake Asirotia stokesit
139.Black and Yellow Sea Snake Pelamis platurus
Vipers
140.Russell’s Viper Daboia russelii
141.Levantine Viper Macrovipera lebetina
142,Saw-sealed Viper Æchis carinatus
Pit Vipers
143. Himalayan Pit Viper Gloydius himalayanus
144 Hump-nosed Pit Viper Hypnale inpnale
145. Large-sealed Pit Viper Trimeresurus macrolepis
146. Mountain Pit Viper Ovophis monticola
147. Jerdon’s Pit Viper Protobothvops jerdonit
148. Malabar Pit Viper Trimeresurus malabaricus
149. Horseshoe Pit Viper Trimeresurus srigatus
150.Bamboo Pit Viper Trimeresurus gramineus
151. Medo Pit Viper Trimeresurus medoensis
152 Pope's Pit Viper Trimeresurus popeiorum
153.Cantors Pit Viper Trimeresurus cantori
154, Andaman Pit Viper Trimeresurus anderson
155.Spot-tailed Pit Viper Irimeresurus erythrurus
156 White-lipped Pit Viper Trimeresurus albolabris
157.Nieober Pit Viper Trimeresurus labialis
Index to common names
Index to scientific names
ar
396
398
400
402
404
408
410
414
418
42
426
428
430
434
436
440
442
446
454
¿+ WHAT THIS BOOK IS ABOUT
Snakes fascinate us more than any other animals on earth. Because people don’t
know much about them, soakes are misunderstood and feared. In India most of our
snekes are absolutely harmless to humans while four species are responsible for
thousands of deaths each year. Indian snakes range in size from & few centimeters
to almost ten meters in length, Snakes live in scorching deserts, humid forests, cool
hill ranges, in lakes, streams, and even in the sea. The variety of colors and patterns
rivals the butterflies while their grace and fluidity are unmatched in nature. Snake
behavior and adaptations are endlessly exciting but the first step is to be able to
identify them.
This book illustrates and describes 157 of the over 270 species of snakes in India.
Aside from the many endemic snakes found only in India, (including the shieldtail
cakes and some other species in the Western Ghats and Northeast), many of these
srakes are also found in neighboring countries which makes this a helpful reference
for all of South Asia
The last comprehensive book on Indian snakes was Malcolm Smith's book
“Serpentes”, Volume Ill of the Fauna of British India series, published back in 1943,
It is still the most complete scientific work on snakes of our region and anyone
who wants to study snakes seriously must get a copy! While this book aims to be
a popular field guide, the addition of scalation details in each description makes it
useful for specialists as well. Some snake names have been changed in the last 60
years. The old names are also given in the Checklist of the snakes of India.
On page 14 there is a list of books which describe the physiology, ecology, and
behavior of snakes. While this book will touch upon these fascinating, aspects,
main purpose is to provide a simple means of identifying snakes encountered
India. A good, clear, colour photograph is usually the best aid to identifying a snake.
Other things which can be very helpful are whether the snake is stout or thin, fast or
slow, in the water, up in a tree or underground, whether it is active by day or night
and the geographic arca where it is found, Many snakes hide during the hot summer
torpid state called estivation, Their “release” comes with the monsoon
Snakes in colder parts of North India hibernate during the winter months. You
often only get a glimpse of a snake and they are sometimes not easy to tell apart.
‘When you next see one pay attention to color, patter, size, head and body shape.
Look for obvious differences: thin neck, triangular head: shape of eye pupil; keeled
‘or smooth scales; small or large scales on the head; tail long and thin or stout and
blunt.
‚There are over 270 different species of snakes in India but depending on where you
live there are likely to be only a fraction of those in a single region. By following the
steps below you can narrow down your choices. First, look at jhe different groups of
snakes and you will soon see thatthe long thin ones are often tree snakes, short stout
1
‘ones often burrowers, all the paddle tail ones are sea snakes and so on. Venomous
snakes are in the rainority and they 100 generally have outstanding characteristics
that are easy 10 identify. The next thing is Lo look at the distribution maps. The
maps are a good general guide to what snakes are in your area but their ranges
could be larger than what we've shown. If you live in a dry area like eastern Tamil
‘Nadu or Gujarat you can very safely say that the majority of snakes found in the
Western Ghats and the Northeast are not in your area, Similarly, if you live in the
hills above 2000 meters, most of the plains species won't he found there. (Note:
clevations are approximate.) Once you have narrowed down the snakes likely to be
in your geographic area you can then look at the picture and description to pinpoint
exactly which species itis. And if your interest in snakes is serious you can confirn
the identification by counting scales. The species description pages are color coded.
Red tabs indicate venomous snakes; orange tabs — mildly venomous and green tabs
for non venomous snakes. However caution is advised (even when dealing with non
‘venomous species) as recent studies show that several snakes previously considered
to be non venomous have toxic saliva
This field guide is aimed at travellers, naturalists, herpetologists, doctors and
anybody who has an interest in the fantastic biodiversity of India where snakes are
‘feared, revered and play a vital role in our lives.
INTRODUCTION TO SNAKES IN GENERAL
‘SENSES
‘Snakes probably don’t see color and many are near-sighted, including the vipers and
all the burrowers. Tree snakes, rat snakes and the King Cobra all have good vision
and can see you coming from quite far away (though how far is not yet known).
Some sea snakes have light sensors in their tails.
Snakes can smell with their nostrls but they rly mainly onthe combination oftheir
sensitive tongue (which picks up the odors) and the Jacobson’s organ in the roof of
the mouth (where the odors are “decoded”.
‚The heat sensitive “pits” between the nostril and the eye in pit vipers can detect
temperature change as slight es three thousandths of a degree Ceatigradé (0.003°C)
Pits are very helpful in finding warm-blooded rodents or birds or even a slightly
warm fiog or toad on a cool dark night. Pythons have similar infrared receptors
along their upper lips.
Labial pits of pytaon Loreal pit of pit viper
Snakes can actually “hear” very low frequency sounds in the 200 to 500 Hz range.
‘They have no ears or eardrums but low sounds that hit the side of the skull are
transferred to the inner ear through the jaw muscle and ear bone. They cannot hear
sounds like talking, music or a gunshot, Snakes are sensitive to vibrations through
the ground and in this way can feel you walking past.
FEEDING
All snakes are primarily predators. Some hunt by stealth and ambush, while others
actively pursue their prey. Occasionally snakes will scavenge freshly dead animals.
‘Smaller species like the Striped Keelback ard water snakes eat frogs and fish. A
Tite Saw-sealed Viper manages to swallow scorpions and some kukri snakes seem
to specialize in eating eggs of other reptiles. Medium-sized and large snakes like
‘cobras, rat snakes, trinket snaíces and royal snakes relish rodents (as do pythons and
the bigger vipers), while tree snakes like the bronzcbacks and vine snakes go for
lizards, birds, and Srogs. Snakes also eat bats, frog eggs, snails and slugs while some
3
snakes are in the rainority and they 100 generally have outstanding characteristics
that are easy 10 identify. The next thing is Lo look at the distribution maps. The
maps are a good general guide to what snakes are in your area but their ranges
could be larger than what we've shown. If you live in a dry area like eastern Tamil
‘Nadu or Gujarat you can very safely say that the majority of snakes found in the
Western Ghats and the Northeast are not in your area, Similarly, if you live in the
hills above 2000 meters, most of the plains species won't he found there. (Note:
clevations are approximate.) Once you have narrowed down the snakes likely to be
in your geographic area you can then look at the picture and description to pinpoint
exactly which species itis. And if your interest in snakes is serious you can confirn
the identification by counting scales. The species description pages are color coded.
Red tabs indicate venomous snakes; orange tabs — mildly venomous and green tabs
for non venomous snakes. However caution is advised (even when dealing with non
‘venomous species) as recent studies show that several snakes previously considered
to be non venomous have toxic saliva
This field guide is aimed at travellers, naturalists, herpetologists, doctors and
anybody who has an interest in the fantastic biodiversity of India where snakes are
‘feared, revered and play a vital role in our lives.
INTRODUCTION TO SNAKES IN GENERAL
‘SENSES
‘Snakes probably don’t see color and many are near-sighted, including the vipers and
all the burrowers. Tree snakes, rat snakes and the King Cobra all have good vision
and can see you coming from quite far away (though how far is not yet known).
Some sea snakes have light sensors in their tails.
Snakes can smell with their nostrls but they rly mainly onthe combination oftheir
sensitive tongue (which picks up the odors) and the Jacobson’s organ in the roof of
the mouth (where the odors are “decoded”.
‚The heat sensitive “pits” between the nostril and the eye in pit vipers can detect
temperature change as slight es three thousandths of a degree Ceatigradé (0.003°C)
Pits are very helpful in finding warm-blooded rodents or birds or even a slightly
warm fiog or toad on a cool dark night. Pythons have similar infrared receptors
along their upper lips.
Labial pits of pytaon Loreal pit of pit viper
Snakes can actually “hear” very low frequency sounds in the 200 to 500 Hz range.
‘They have no ears or eardrums but low sounds that hit the side of the skull are
transferred to the inner ear through the jaw muscle and ear bone. They cannot hear
sounds like talking, music or a gunshot, Snakes are sensitive to vibrations through
the ground and in this way can feel you walking past.
FEEDING
All snakes are primarily predators. Some hunt by stealth and ambush, while others
actively pursue their prey. Occasionally snakes will scavenge freshly dead animals.
‘Smaller species like the Striped Keelback ard water snakes eat frogs and fish. A
Tite Saw-sealed Viper manages to swallow scorpions and some kukri snakes seem
to specialize in eating eggs of other reptiles. Medium-sized and large snakes like
‘cobras, rat snakes, trinket snaíces and royal snakes relish rodents (as do pythons and
the bigger vipers), while tree snakes like the bronzcbacks and vine snakes go for
lizards, birds, and Srogs. Snakes also eat bats, frog eggs, snails and slugs while some
3
are snake-earers. Av the wo ends of the size spectrum, tiny worm snakes cal insccts
and their larve while giant pythons can kill und eat a deer or even a wild pig. In
general, Ghough, the everyday favorite prey items of our most coramon saakes are
frogs, toads, rats, and mice.
Large scaled Shiléta feeding on earthworm
Psion swellowig deer
Venomous snakes have evolved a cocktail of proteins, toxins, and digesave enzymes
“nto un injectable venom to deal sudden death 10 ‘heir prey. Many “aon-vecomous”
snakes actully have toxic saliva with which o suodae prey. Others Ike pythons and
<sinket snekes use constriction to wuffocate theiss, For some, like the water snakes
and the rat snakes, hunting technique is simple: grab and swallow, before the prey
can get away.
BREEDING
‘About 60 species or approximately 25% of Indian snakes are ovoviviparous, that
is, the eggs develop internally and females bear live young. Livebearers include the
shieldiil snakes, sand boas, vine snakes, estvarine snakes, most sea snakes, most
vipers and most pil vipers, Al the rest of India’s snakes are egg layers. Ii nol clear
Which of these methods is mors successful, bu: some snakes like the cobras, both
pythoas, he Checkered Keelback, and the King Cobra slay with their eggs for
‘wo months it tekes them to hatch, providing safety for their clutch from predators.
But in egg layers and Iivchcarors like, parent snakes do not look after their young
baby snakes Lave 10 find their food andl watch out for predators all ox their own.
he sex organs of «makes ure interaal, but with experience you can tell the sex of
most snales by noting “he thicker tail hase und longer tail of tie male. Herpetologists
4
sex snakes by using a prohe, which has to be done very gently, and takes a lot of
uaining, Acother way of determining tne sex of a snake is knowing whieh sex grows
‘anger. For example a lange water snake, Striped Keelback, python or pit viper is
variably a female while a large cobra, ra snake or st is probably a male
Most sakes have a specific mating season each year (sometimes two seasons) and
ina large country with many elimalic conditions like India, mating seasons may vary
trot region to region, Males find females by following her pheromone or seert al
ime snakes may engage in a ritual Agtt called the combat dance. I appears
tobea wrestling match whore the suakes twine together and rear up trying to pin the
other one dows, There is generally no biting and the combat can last for an hour or
more. Occasionally a male and fernale will perform combat but usually i's a pair of
adult males. Combet dance by the Indian Rat Snake is commonly seen by people on
farms, [tis invariably called “mating” and no one is likely 10 be checking the sex of
the combatants! In India, ritual combat hes bees observed in the following snakes:
Dog-faccd Waves Snake, Common Krait, Sew sealed Viger, Indian Rat Snake, and
King Cobra
MATING
The male has paired sex organs called the hemipenes. Each is zuferred 10 us a
hemipenis. After arousing te female with jerks, butts, and even bites, he insens
fone everted hemipenis into the female's cloaca and eopulstion can last for hours
Gestation last between 30-50 days and the size of clutch of egus or babies ma
‘vary from Four to six in the cose of smaller snakes like wolf snakes or kukri sahen,
10.40 or more in the case of a python of Russells Viper. ags are generally elongate
and leathery and need high humility und warm temperatures to develop. Snake
ges generally haich in 60-70 deys; tae hatching time is largely dependent on the
ineubution temperature,
Ramin
Herspenes a’ python
Baby snakes must fend for themselves as soon as they hatch or are bom; newboit.
venomous stakes have fully fimerionel fangs and tiny venom glands and know
how to use them, but are vulnerable to a aultituce of predarors and few survive to.
adulthood. A baby python of sand boa is an exper constrictor from day one.
and their larve while giant pythons can kill und eat a deer or even a wild pig. In
general, Ghough, the everyday favorite prey items of our most coramon saakes are
frogs, toads, rats, and mice.
Large scaled Shiléta feeding on earthworm
Psion swellowig deer
Venomous snakes have evolved a cocktail of proteins, toxins, and digesave enzymes
“nto un injectable venom to deal sudden death 10 ‘heir prey. Many “aon-vecomous”
snakes actully have toxic saliva with which o suodae prey. Others Ike pythons and
<sinket snekes use constriction to wuffocate theiss, For some, like the water snakes
and the rat snakes, hunting technique is simple: grab and swallow, before the prey
can get away.
BREEDING
‘About 60 species or approximately 25% of Indian snakes are ovoviviparous, that
is, the eggs develop internally and females bear live young. Livebearers include the
shieldiil snakes, sand boas, vine snakes, estvarine snakes, most sea snakes, most
vipers and most pil vipers, Al the rest of India’s snakes are egg layers. Ii nol clear
Which of these methods is mors successful, bu: some snakes like the cobras, both
pythoas, he Checkered Keelback, and the King Cobra slay with their eggs for
‘wo months it tekes them to hatch, providing safety for their clutch from predators.
But in egg layers and Iivchcarors like, parent snakes do not look after their young
baby snakes Lave 10 find their food andl watch out for predators all ox their own.
he sex organs of «makes ure interaal, but with experience you can tell the sex of
most snales by noting “he thicker tail hase und longer tail of tie male. Herpetologists
4
sex snakes by using a prohe, which has to be done very gently, and takes a lot of
uaining, Acother way of determining tne sex of a snake is knowing whieh sex grows
‘anger. For example a lange water snake, Striped Keelback, python or pit viper is
variably a female while a large cobra, ra snake or st is probably a male
Most sakes have a specific mating season each year (sometimes two seasons) and
ina large country with many elimalic conditions like India, mating seasons may vary
trot region to region, Males find females by following her pheromone or seert al
ime snakes may engage in a ritual Agtt called the combat dance. I appears
tobea wrestling match whore the suakes twine together and rear up trying to pin the
other one dows, There is generally no biting and the combat can last for an hour or
more. Occasionally a male and fernale will perform combat but usually i's a pair of
adult males. Combet dance by the Indian Rat Snake is commonly seen by people on
farms, [tis invariably called “mating” and no one is likely 10 be checking the sex of
the combatants! In India, ritual combat hes bees observed in the following snakes:
Dog-faccd Waves Snake, Common Krait, Sew sealed Viger, Indian Rat Snake, and
King Cobra
MATING
The male has paired sex organs called the hemipenes. Each is zuferred 10 us a
hemipenis. After arousing te female with jerks, butts, and even bites, he insens
fone everted hemipenis into the female's cloaca and eopulstion can last for hours
Gestation last between 30-50 days and the size of clutch of egus or babies ma
‘vary from Four to six in the cose of smaller snakes like wolf snakes or kukri sahen,
10.40 or more in the case of a python of Russells Viper. ags are generally elongate
and leathery and need high humility und warm temperatures to develop. Snake
ges generally haich in 60-70 deys; tae hatching time is largely dependent on the
ineubution temperature,
Ramin
Herspenes a’ python
Baby snakes must fend for themselves as soon as they hatch or are bom; newboit.
venomous stakes have fully fimerionel fangs and tiny venom glands and know
how to use them, but are vulnerable to a aultituce of predarors and few survive to.
adulthood. A baby python of sand boa is an exper constrictor from day one.
SNAKE MUSK
Snakes give off different types of smells which vary from plain old nusty fecal
‘smells to discourage predators, to subtle seents Lo attract a mate, Some snakes, whi
stressed by capture or handling, will simply empry their bowels. A species specific
“perfume” called musk is produced by a pair of glands in the eloaca. The consistency
of this seeretion can vary from a thick paste (as in rat snakes end kraits) 1 u fine
spray (Some vipers und pit vipers). The smell is highly variable and distinctive to.
the species; in the Indian Rai Sadke and the Common Kruit, it stinks, while cobra
and pit viper musk is faitly pleasant. The musk of the Collared Hlack-heuded Snake
strells like cheap iobacco and Green Rat Snake musk is black and smels like enamel
pairtt
Mask serves as an easy way for snakes to idenliy each other and give an otherwise
quie ocorless animal u disinetive “Hlavor” which might deter predators like
moagooses, civets, and wild pig. Our knowledge of the chemistry and function of
snake perfunery is virtually mil and it would make a fascinating study.
It is likely that some snakes at least, produce sex attractant xmells fiom nuchal
anida beiween the scales on the back of the neck, the way American garer snakes
do. Pheromones may also guide snakes to hibemation sites in tae North where
winters are cold
VENOM AND FANGS,
All snakes are primacily predators and have evoived special tools to aid them in
the hunt, All have backward curved teeth io prevent prey om escaping
strong coils of their body 10 constrict and suffocate. Many species of snakes we cell
non venomous, like the Checkered Keelback, wol’snakes and ret smakes, have toxic
saliva secreted from the Duvemoy's gland. Some have enlarged rear tecth which
pancture prey, «iding introduction of toxic saliva into their prey. This isa prim
venom delivery system compared with the front-fanged snakes. Biles from these
““jarualess” snakes along with the reur-fanged snakes can cause local swelling, pain
and bleeding. in humans. No resulting deaths have been reported in India.
Cobras, kraits, sea snakes, coral sakes and vipers have evolved toxic venouns and a
very efficiut injection system to subêne prey und for défense. These are the front
ange snakes. In these the fang isa sharp hollow toodh modified to inject venom
Into prey. Venom is transported [rom the venom gland via a duct surrounded by
m, The snake cen control the amount.
of venom delivered per bite. Krait and sea snake fags ere very short (2-/mm or
18 Yin): fangs are longer in cobras and king cobras (S-I0mm or Y - Yin). These
ate the “fixed fang” snakes which usually hang onto their prey and chew until enough
venom i injected, The hinged Zangs of vipers arc a more intrieae system that allows
the snake to instantancously strike, inject, and withdrasy from the struggling prey.
This technique reduces the chances of the snake getting injured. The (unes are
6
enclosed in a membranous sheath and fold backward and upward against the roof
of the mouth. During the strike the fangs swing forward and the mouth can open to
180°. A large viper may have fangs 25mm (1 in) long.
Hinged fangs of Russell's Viper
Rear-fanged snakes include cat snakes, vine snakes and all the estuarine smakes.
Their venom is mild te humans but can paralyze small animals like birds, lizards and
(rows. The sake literally chews venom into its prey with the help of large grooved
teeth in the back of the upper jaw.
‘Throughout the lives of all snakes, teeth and faugs are shed and replaced regularly.
‘Fangs are shed in cycles as shor: as 10 days and us long us 70 days depending on the
‘species and health of the snake
Faris aren't just for injecting venom; they can also be used for spraying ii. Some
African and Southeast Asian cobras spray venom up to 2.5m (9 A. "Spiling” is a
defensive behavior that kas nothing to do with kiling prey. Spitting cobras bite and
envenomate their prey just as well as other venomous saakes. These saakes live
in areas inhabited by large herbivores, that might trample Une, or preditors like
mongooses that might eat chem, and thus use their venom defensively. As ar as we
Amos, nom 0° the Indian cobras “spit”
The composition and chemistry of snake venoms is very complex bur scientists
have Jong recognized these venoms as a cocktail of highly concentrated exzynies,
toxins and proteins. In general, yenoms ure described as vither neurotoxic (aiTecting
tem) or keemotoxic (ffecting the circulatory system). although Ihe
‘venoms of many snakes contain both neurotoxie and haemotoxic components,
Snakes give off different types of smells which vary from plain old nusty fecal
‘smells to discourage predators, to subtle seents Lo attract a mate, Some snakes, whi
stressed by capture or handling, will simply empry their bowels. A species specific
“perfume” called musk is produced by a pair of glands in the eloaca. The consistency
of this seeretion can vary from a thick paste (as in rat snakes end kraits) 1 u fine
spray (Some vipers und pit vipers). The smell is highly variable and distinctive to.
the species; in the Indian Rai Sadke and the Common Kruit, it stinks, while cobra
and pit viper musk is faitly pleasant. The musk of the Collared Hlack-heuded Snake
strells like cheap iobacco and Green Rat Snake musk is black and smels like enamel
pairtt
Mask serves as an easy way for snakes to idenliy each other and give an otherwise
quie ocorless animal u disinetive “Hlavor” which might deter predators like
moagooses, civets, and wild pig. Our knowledge of the chemistry and function of
snake perfunery is virtually mil and it would make a fascinating study.
It is likely that some snakes at least, produce sex attractant xmells fiom nuchal
anida beiween the scales on the back of the neck, the way American garer snakes
do. Pheromones may also guide snakes to hibemation sites in tae North where
winters are cold
VENOM AND FANGS,
All snakes are primacily predators and have evoived special tools to aid them in
the hunt, All have backward curved teeth io prevent prey om escaping
strong coils of their body 10 constrict and suffocate. Many species of snakes we cell
non venomous, like the Checkered Keelback, wol’snakes and ret smakes, have toxic
saliva secreted from the Duvemoy's gland. Some have enlarged rear tecth which
pancture prey, «iding introduction of toxic saliva into their prey. This isa prim
venom delivery system compared with the front-fanged snakes. Biles from these
““jarualess” snakes along with the reur-fanged snakes can cause local swelling, pain
and bleeding. in humans. No resulting deaths have been reported in India.
Cobras, kraits, sea snakes, coral sakes and vipers have evolved toxic venouns and a
very efficiut injection system to subêne prey und for défense. These are the front
ange snakes. In these the fang isa sharp hollow toodh modified to inject venom
Into prey. Venom is transported [rom the venom gland via a duct surrounded by
m, The snake cen control the amount.
of venom delivered per bite. Krait and sea snake fags ere very short (2-/mm or
18 Yin): fangs are longer in cobras and king cobras (S-I0mm or Y - Yin). These
ate the “fixed fang” snakes which usually hang onto their prey and chew until enough
venom i injected, The hinged Zangs of vipers arc a more intrieae system that allows
the snake to instantancously strike, inject, and withdrasy from the struggling prey.
This technique reduces the chances of the snake getting injured. The (unes are
6
enclosed in a membranous sheath and fold backward and upward against the roof
of the mouth. During the strike the fangs swing forward and the mouth can open to
180°. A large viper may have fangs 25mm (1 in) long.
Hinged fangs of Russell's Viper
Rear-fanged snakes include cat snakes, vine snakes and all the estuarine smakes.
Their venom is mild te humans but can paralyze small animals like birds, lizards and
(rows. The sake literally chews venom into its prey with the help of large grooved
teeth in the back of the upper jaw.
‘Throughout the lives of all snakes, teeth and faugs are shed and replaced regularly.
‘Fangs are shed in cycles as shor: as 10 days and us long us 70 days depending on the
‘species and health of the snake
Faris aren't just for injecting venom; they can also be used for spraying ii. Some
African and Southeast Asian cobras spray venom up to 2.5m (9 A. "Spiling” is a
defensive behavior that kas nothing to do with kiling prey. Spitting cobras bite and
envenomate their prey just as well as other venomous saakes. These saakes live
in areas inhabited by large herbivores, that might trample Une, or preditors like
mongooses that might eat chem, and thus use their venom defensively. As ar as we
Amos, nom 0° the Indian cobras “spit”
The composition and chemistry of snake venoms is very complex bur scientists
have Jong recognized these venoms as a cocktail of highly concentrated exzynies,
toxins and proteins. In general, yenoms ure described as vither neurotoxic (aiTecting
tem) or keemotoxic (ffecting the circulatory system). although Ihe
‘venoms of many snakes contain both neurotoxie and haemotoxic components,
SNAKEBITE AND ANTIVENOM
Tndia has some ofthe world's most venomous snakes and the high density of humans
here makes snakebite a common medical problem. Accurate statistics are hard to
come by, but peraps half a million people are bitten by snakes each India
and about 10,000 dic. The Big Four, the snekes responsible for most of the serious
bites, are the cobra (now known to be four species), the Common Krait, Russell’s
Viper, and the Saw-scaled Viper.
Cobras in particular come into regular contact with humans since they are active,
wide-ranging hunters of at, fogs and toads, all of which are found in and around
‘our homes, gardens, and crop fields. Kraits will also scck rodents and reptiles around
‘our homes, especially in southeastern and northwestern India. ‘Ihey enter homes at
night and may bite people sleeping on the ground. Russell's Vipers are thick bush
and hedgerow dwellers but the attraction of rodents in our erops often brings them
lose to us, especially to the paddy farmers at harvest time.
As we learn more about snakebite, it appears that Russell's Viper may cause the
most fatalities. Small but dangerous, the Saw-scaled Viper isa snake of open, rocky
areas, shunning forests. and crop fields. In some barren areas, like the desert of
northwestem India and the Inferite tableland of the west coast, Saw-scaled Vipers
are amazingly common but are absent in Northeast India, and neighboring Nepal
Bhutan, and Bangladesh
‘The vipers have venom that damages blood vessel walls und disturbs the normal
blood clotting mechanisms, while cobra and krait venom is mainly neurotoxic
and can block conduction of the nerve impulses from nerves to muscles causing
progressive paralysis. Symptoms of viper bite include severe pain at the site of the
bite, rapid swelling of the bitten limb and if serious, non-cloiting of blood, leaking
of blood vessels, shock, and kicney failure. Cobra bites are painful and swelling
is common, while krait bites are much less noticeable. In serious cobra und krait
bites, the first signs of neurotoxic paralysis are drooping eyelids, double vision, and
difficulty in swallowing.
Having introduced the Big Four in « somewhat grim seenario, itis important to
understand that farm workers are most at risk as they walk barefoot along the
overgrown edges of their fields during the peak periods of snake activity — early
morning and late evening. In India, 75% of all snakchites occur below the knee.
Walking at night without a torch, reaching into a pile of saw or firewood, and
sleeping on the ground where snakes are common are the other main ways snakebites
occur, Snakebites are rare where people know about snake habits and learn how to
avoid encounters.
Snakes usually flee when humans approach, but are sometimes eomered or tread
upon and that’s when they may bile in self-defense. Fortunately the great majority:
5
(85-90%) of venomous bites are not life-threctening as the snake generally injects
only a small amount of venom or no verom at all (a “dry” bite) Loweves, a bite from
‘one of the Big Four must be treated as serious, following the simple steps outlincal
here:
1. Keep calin, even venomous snakebite is rarely fatal. In fact less than 15% of
Untreated veromous snakebites prove dangerous to life.
Keep the whole body and especially the bitten limb as still as possible and, in ease
‘of neuroroxie bites ONLY (cobras, kraits), apply a long stretchy bandage (erspe
or elastic) around the whole of the bitten limb, stasting atthe fingers or toes, right
up to the arm pit or groin. This should be as tight as for a sprained ankle. This
will slow down the spread of venom without interfering with the blood flow to
the limb,
3. Get to a hospital or primary health center which kas antivenom serum, without
delay and with as little exertion as possible (ideally, carry on a streicher or
a vehicle, boat or bicycle).
Do not try first aid measures like “cut and suction”, and very tight compression bunds
(loumiquets), Don’t waste precious time on other remedies: none has been proven
to work, They only seem to work because most snake bites are not fatal anyway, In
fact using the old “cut and suction” Erst aid could actually cause a Saw-seaied Viper
bite patient to bleed to death. This method increases local Ussue damage and usually
introduces infection.
‘The frst antivenom serum against cobra venom was made in 1904. Until the 1940s
it was only available for cobra and Russel! Viper bite. Even when polyvalent
sertun became available recently (effective for bites ofall ofthe Big Four venomous
snakes), it was not widely cistributed in rural areas. Lack of an effective snakehile
remedy spawned a host of quack remedies like snake stones, gold ehloride, “eut and
suction”, chanting and any number of herbal “remedies.” Many of these desperate
measure are still used today in rural India and even promoted by educated people
who should know better. They often “work” only because in the majority of
snakebites a serious or fatal dose of venorn is not injected by the snake. Homeopathy
and ayurveda can be useful in treating local symptoms of snakebite,
Af snakebite is common in your arca, make sure nearby clinics or primary health
centers stock antivenom serum = itis à Government requirement. You can also stock
your own antivenom, You can usually buy it (on prescription) fiom the pharmacy
of a major hospital. Dry serum lasts for 5 yours a room temperature and is good
for bites of any of tie Big Four. A basic respiratory assistance device such as an
aambubag with an anesthetic mask or airway can bee lifesaver inthe case ofa serious
cobra or krai bite that causes paralysis. Simple mouth-lo-mouth or month-to-nose
ventilation, without an apparatus, can save the life of someone whose breathing
9
Tndia has some ofthe world's most venomous snakes and the high density of humans
here makes snakebite a common medical problem. Accurate statistics are hard to
come by, but peraps half a million people are bitten by snakes each India
and about 10,000 dic. The Big Four, the snekes responsible for most of the serious
bites, are the cobra (now known to be four species), the Common Krait, Russell’s
Viper, and the Saw-scaled Viper.
Cobras in particular come into regular contact with humans since they are active,
wide-ranging hunters of at, fogs and toads, all of which are found in and around
‘our homes, gardens, and crop fields. Kraits will also scck rodents and reptiles around
‘our homes, especially in southeastern and northwestern India. ‘Ihey enter homes at
night and may bite people sleeping on the ground. Russell's Vipers are thick bush
and hedgerow dwellers but the attraction of rodents in our erops often brings them
lose to us, especially to the paddy farmers at harvest time.
As we learn more about snakebite, it appears that Russell's Viper may cause the
most fatalities. Small but dangerous, the Saw-scaled Viper isa snake of open, rocky
areas, shunning forests. and crop fields. In some barren areas, like the desert of
northwestem India and the Inferite tableland of the west coast, Saw-scaled Vipers
are amazingly common but are absent in Northeast India, and neighboring Nepal
Bhutan, and Bangladesh
‘The vipers have venom that damages blood vessel walls und disturbs the normal
blood clotting mechanisms, while cobra and krait venom is mainly neurotoxic
and can block conduction of the nerve impulses from nerves to muscles causing
progressive paralysis. Symptoms of viper bite include severe pain at the site of the
bite, rapid swelling of the bitten limb and if serious, non-cloiting of blood, leaking
of blood vessels, shock, and kicney failure. Cobra bites are painful and swelling
is common, while krait bites are much less noticeable. In serious cobra und krait
bites, the first signs of neurotoxic paralysis are drooping eyelids, double vision, and
difficulty in swallowing.
Having introduced the Big Four in « somewhat grim seenario, itis important to
understand that farm workers are most at risk as they walk barefoot along the
overgrown edges of their fields during the peak periods of snake activity — early
morning and late evening. In India, 75% of all snakchites occur below the knee.
Walking at night without a torch, reaching into a pile of saw or firewood, and
sleeping on the ground where snakes are common are the other main ways snakebites
occur, Snakebites are rare where people know about snake habits and learn how to
avoid encounters.
Snakes usually flee when humans approach, but are sometimes eomered or tread
upon and that’s when they may bile in self-defense. Fortunately the great majority:
5
(85-90%) of venomous bites are not life-threctening as the snake generally injects
only a small amount of venom or no verom at all (a “dry” bite) Loweves, a bite from
‘one of the Big Four must be treated as serious, following the simple steps outlincal
here:
1. Keep calin, even venomous snakebite is rarely fatal. In fact less than 15% of
Untreated veromous snakebites prove dangerous to life.
Keep the whole body and especially the bitten limb as still as possible and, in ease
‘of neuroroxie bites ONLY (cobras, kraits), apply a long stretchy bandage (erspe
or elastic) around the whole of the bitten limb, stasting atthe fingers or toes, right
up to the arm pit or groin. This should be as tight as for a sprained ankle. This
will slow down the spread of venom without interfering with the blood flow to
the limb,
3. Get to a hospital or primary health center which kas antivenom serum, without
delay and with as little exertion as possible (ideally, carry on a streicher or
a vehicle, boat or bicycle).
Do not try first aid measures like “cut and suction”, and very tight compression bunds
(loumiquets), Don’t waste precious time on other remedies: none has been proven
to work, They only seem to work because most snake bites are not fatal anyway, In
fact using the old “cut and suction” Erst aid could actually cause a Saw-seaied Viper
bite patient to bleed to death. This method increases local Ussue damage and usually
introduces infection.
‘The frst antivenom serum against cobra venom was made in 1904. Until the 1940s
it was only available for cobra and Russel! Viper bite. Even when polyvalent
sertun became available recently (effective for bites ofall ofthe Big Four venomous
snakes), it was not widely cistributed in rural areas. Lack of an effective snakehile
remedy spawned a host of quack remedies like snake stones, gold ehloride, “eut and
suction”, chanting and any number of herbal “remedies.” Many of these desperate
measure are still used today in rural India and even promoted by educated people
who should know better. They often “work” only because in the majority of
snakebites a serious or fatal dose of venorn is not injected by the snake. Homeopathy
and ayurveda can be useful in treating local symptoms of snakebite,
Af snakebite is common in your arca, make sure nearby clinics or primary health
centers stock antivenom serum = itis à Government requirement. You can also stock
your own antivenom, You can usually buy it (on prescription) fiom the pharmacy
of a major hospital. Dry serum lasts for 5 yours a room temperature and is good
for bites of any of tie Big Four. A basic respiratory assistance device such as an
aambubag with an anesthetic mask or airway can bee lifesaver inthe case ofa serious
cobra or krai bite that causes paralysis. Simple mouth-lo-mouth or month-to-nose
ventilation, without an apparatus, can save the life of someone whose breathing
9
muscles are paralyzed by snake venom. In fret suakebite patients have survived
‘without antiveaom using the combination of a respirator (to counter paralytic effects
1d dialysi (to prevent kidney failure) This is usefal information
x the othe: venomous snakes of India (Fanded and other krïts, King
for bites
Cobra, sea snakes and coral snakes) for which there is no antivenom mace in India
Similar y, pit vipor hie is rarely serious and no entivenom is available in India.
DO-IT-YOURSELF SNAKE REMOVAL
‘While it is always best o let a snake go ix own way or cll an experienced suake
catcher, snakes can be safely removed from a house using a hooked sick and a
Junge plastic garbage can with a lid. An alternative is a “bagger” which is simply a
large cloth bag attached toa huterfly net or tennis rachel fame. A suske hook isthe
standard snake handling tool and consists of a handle or shaft shout | 5m ($ fee!)
long (see ilusuation). At the end an L-shape hook about 10cm x 1Gem (din x din)
should be songly allsched by welding or binding. We have mace sncke hooks from.
bamboo poes, mop handles, and adjustable length paint roller handles. Nothing like
a golf club though, for that good grip and professional look’ Ihe tic isto lift the
snake into Une garbage can without endangering yourself; Once the saake is safely
inside and the li shut, it can be taken ont into the countryside fr ruse
Aaa
Snakes naturelly like to get into dark cool places and usually use a wall to craw]
along. A short length of rigid tubing with the mouth of a snake bag tied to it, ora box.
with an opening just big enough for the sake to fit through can be used as a safer
and more passive way of “bagging” the saake. Ets box is the only escape the sake
is provided with, it sould evertually go in on its own, We have used similar “snake
traps.” atlachod (0 a long rope, o get snakes out of wells
Remember, man
always b
safe place.
bites happen because someone tries to kill or catch a snake. Is
‘o leave a snake alone or call a professiona! to catch it for release in a
SNAKE RESCURRS
Since the advent of India’s first snake park in Chennai back in 1970, there has been a
dramatic increase in awareness about snakes. In many cities, rather than reaching for
astick to kill snake, people are more likely to reach forthe phone to call one of che
specialists in snake rescue, These people are sometimes associeted with local unit]
‘welfare groups like the SPCA and catch literally thousands of snakes in city and
suburban houses and gardens and translocate them to forest areas. For example, two
rown rescuers of Mysore and Bangalore have caught close lo 20,000 snakes
(0 years. Snake rescuers have to be recognized by the Forest Department,
who ensure thet the snakes are released in a safe, suitable place.
10
SNAKE PEOPLE
When this author (RW) was growing mp, he made friends with a mumber of snake
charmers. Tt was soon obvious that they are mostly great sources of misinformation
and make their living by fooling the public. Snake charmers cruelly defung the
cobras they use in their shows and we know of several who found on the Eard way
that fangs will grow back! Probably the most impressive chamers are the “king
cobra people” of Patia near Bhubaneshwar in Orissa who travel far and wide making
people believe that suakes really like music! Around India (hare are entire villages
‘of stake charmers tthe combination of wildlife laws and animal welfare activists
make snake charming a dying art. There is a move to teach snake charmers how to
care for snakes and to encourage them to be educators rather than exploiters, hut the
scheme is still just an idea. Ics tribal people like the rulas of Tamil Nadu who really
Know snakes. They have an encyclopedic knowledge oftheir d:y, hot plains forest,
They had been hunter gatherers for thousands of yeass here and when the snakeskin
industry boomed these skilled hunters turnel to snake catching. To hunt snakes with
the Trulas (now only for the venom) is a lesson in neture lore like no other. They
should be teaching Wildlife Biology, rather than desk and lab bound professors!
‘without antiveaom using the combination of a respirator (to counter paralytic effects
1d dialysi (to prevent kidney failure) This is usefal information
x the othe: venomous snakes of India (Fanded and other krïts, King
for bites
Cobra, sea snakes and coral snakes) for which there is no antivenom mace in India
Similar y, pit vipor hie is rarely serious and no entivenom is available in India.
DO-IT-YOURSELF SNAKE REMOVAL
‘While it is always best o let a snake go ix own way or cll an experienced suake
catcher, snakes can be safely removed from a house using a hooked sick and a
Junge plastic garbage can with a lid. An alternative is a “bagger” which is simply a
large cloth bag attached toa huterfly net or tennis rachel fame. A suske hook isthe
standard snake handling tool and consists of a handle or shaft shout | 5m ($ fee!)
long (see ilusuation). At the end an L-shape hook about 10cm x 1Gem (din x din)
should be songly allsched by welding or binding. We have mace sncke hooks from.
bamboo poes, mop handles, and adjustable length paint roller handles. Nothing like
a golf club though, for that good grip and professional look’ Ihe tic isto lift the
snake into Une garbage can without endangering yourself; Once the saake is safely
inside and the li shut, it can be taken ont into the countryside fr ruse
Aaa
Snakes naturelly like to get into dark cool places and usually use a wall to craw]
along. A short length of rigid tubing with the mouth of a snake bag tied to it, ora box.
with an opening just big enough for the sake to fit through can be used as a safer
and more passive way of “bagging” the saake. Ets box is the only escape the sake
is provided with, it sould evertually go in on its own, We have used similar “snake
traps.” atlachod (0 a long rope, o get snakes out of wells
Remember, man
always b
safe place.
bites happen because someone tries to kill or catch a snake. Is
‘o leave a snake alone or call a professiona! to catch it for release in a
SNAKE RESCURRS
Since the advent of India’s first snake park in Chennai back in 1970, there has been a
dramatic increase in awareness about snakes. In many cities, rather than reaching for
astick to kill snake, people are more likely to reach forthe phone to call one of che
specialists in snake rescue, These people are sometimes associeted with local unit]
‘welfare groups like the SPCA and catch literally thousands of snakes in city and
suburban houses and gardens and translocate them to forest areas. For example, two
rown rescuers of Mysore and Bangalore have caught close lo 20,000 snakes
(0 years. Snake rescuers have to be recognized by the Forest Department,
who ensure thet the snakes are released in a safe, suitable place.
10
SNAKE PEOPLE
When this author (RW) was growing mp, he made friends with a mumber of snake
charmers. Tt was soon obvious that they are mostly great sources of misinformation
and make their living by fooling the public. Snake charmers cruelly defung the
cobras they use in their shows and we know of several who found on the Eard way
that fangs will grow back! Probably the most impressive chamers are the “king
cobra people” of Patia near Bhubaneshwar in Orissa who travel far and wide making
people believe that suakes really like music! Around India (hare are entire villages
‘of stake charmers tthe combination of wildlife laws and animal welfare activists
make snake charming a dying art. There is a move to teach snake charmers how to
care for snakes and to encourage them to be educators rather than exploiters, hut the
scheme is still just an idea. Ics tribal people like the rulas of Tamil Nadu who really
Know snakes. They have an encyclopedic knowledge oftheir d:y, hot plains forest,
They had been hunter gatherers for thousands of yeass here and when the snakeskin
industry boomed these skilled hunters turnel to snake catching. To hunt snakes with
the Trulas (now only for the venom) is a lesson in neture lore like no other. They
should be teaching Wildlife Biology, rather than desk and lab bound professors!
SNAKE LAWS IN INDIA
All snakes are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, None can be
collected, kept, transported or exported without the relevant permits fom the Forest
Deparunent, The Wildlife Act had several orders of protection, Schedule I being tie
est with three species of snakes:
Indian Rock Python
+ Indian Lgg-eater
The Indian Rock Python has a restricted range now, but in localities is ill in safe
‘numbers. The Reticulated Python has only been confirmed in the Nicobars where it
is uncommon, The Indian Ega-cater is only known from a few specimens and hasn't
been seen since the early 1900.
‘The next order of protection is Schedule M, which includes:
Indian Rat Snake
Olive Keelback
Cobras (4 species)
Russell’s Vipor
(Checkered Keelback
Dog-faced Water Snake
King Cobra
Except the King Cobra and Andaman Cobra, all of these are common species. The
rationale for giving diem such a high order of pape: protection was to help law
enforcers control the snakeskin trade. Offences involving Schedule T und IT snakes
are punishable by one to six years in jail and a fine
‘The rest ofthe Indian snakes are on Schedule IV of the Actand offences cun result in
fines upto Rs. 25,000 and'or imprisonment for up to three years. you are interested
in studying or keeping snakes, make sure you get at permi
—
SNAKE CONSERVATION
Farmers may think they need chemical pesticides and fertilizers, but they need
predators like stakes even more. Cobras and rat saakes are typical rodent eaters
which live in our rice fields and granarics. Rats and mice eat and damage an
estimated one fith of India’s grain production and without our scaly friends this
damage would probably double or triple. Snakes are the ultimate rodent predators
with the senses, speed, and ability to get down into burrows thet make them far moze
effective than eats, mongooses, and other rat eaters,
As with so much of ocr wildlife, many snakes are facing hard times hecause of
habitat loss for development. Clesring forests raises the ground temperature and
dries the land which affects snakes drastically, especially the burzowers which have
taken millions of years to become specially adapted to this way of life. India is facing
more land degradation than probably any part ofthe earth and the question is, how
long will it take before we produce another vast Sahara Desert? Snakes, especially
the large conspicuous ones like pythons and the King Cobra, are more vulnerable
than other, more adaptable or mobile creatures. No one knows what impact rampant
subsidized pesticide use is having on snakes bur it must be massive, The human race
is hell bent on producing a monoculture world inhabited by “survivors” including;
people, rats, cockroaches, crows, and ants, If any snakes survive the massive
destruction that is taking piace, they will at least be assured of plenty of ra‘s!
‘On a positive note, the banning of the snakeskin trade in India in the mid 1970s
halted a slaughter that peaked al 10 million snakes killed per year! Taouga there is
sill some snakeskin export from other countries in the region plus a small amount of
smuggling the overall numbers ace a tiny fraction of what they used to be
Snakes are caught for heir venom, mostly to produce lifesaving antivenom serum,
but also to feed a small market for biochemical research and some other medical
products. The potential for sevealing more pharmecological scerets in snake venoms
definitely exists and research continues in snake venorn toxicology. Ihe Inula Snake
Catchers’ Cooperative Society in mil Nadu, India produces most ofthe venom
used for the Auge quantities of amtivenom serum needed in India. This unique
cooperative is owned and operated by traditional tribal snake hunters. One oftheir
revolutionary approaches to the business of venom extraction isto release the anakes
back into the wild after four extractions
ALthe top of the food chain, snakes are a vital component of our ecosystem, besides
being colorful, sinuous, graceful ereatures that we just can’t help admiring.
12
13
All snakes are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, None can be
collected, kept, transported or exported without the relevant permits fom the Forest
Deparunent, The Wildlife Act had several orders of protection, Schedule I being tie
est with three species of snakes:
Indian Rock Python
+ Indian Lgg-eater
The Indian Rock Python has a restricted range now, but in localities is ill in safe
‘numbers. The Reticulated Python has only been confirmed in the Nicobars where it
is uncommon, The Indian Ega-cater is only known from a few specimens and hasn't
been seen since the early 1900.
‘The next order of protection is Schedule M, which includes:
Indian Rat Snake
Olive Keelback
Cobras (4 species)
Russell’s Vipor
(Checkered Keelback
Dog-faced Water Snake
King Cobra
Except the King Cobra and Andaman Cobra, all of these are common species. The
rationale for giving diem such a high order of pape: protection was to help law
enforcers control the snakeskin trade. Offences involving Schedule T und IT snakes
are punishable by one to six years in jail and a fine
‘The rest ofthe Indian snakes are on Schedule IV of the Actand offences cun result in
fines upto Rs. 25,000 and'or imprisonment for up to three years. you are interested
in studying or keeping snakes, make sure you get at permi
—
SNAKE CONSERVATION
Farmers may think they need chemical pesticides and fertilizers, but they need
predators like stakes even more. Cobras and rat saakes are typical rodent eaters
which live in our rice fields and granarics. Rats and mice eat and damage an
estimated one fith of India’s grain production and without our scaly friends this
damage would probably double or triple. Snakes are the ultimate rodent predators
with the senses, speed, and ability to get down into burrows thet make them far moze
effective than eats, mongooses, and other rat eaters,
As with so much of ocr wildlife, many snakes are facing hard times hecause of
habitat loss for development. Clesring forests raises the ground temperature and
dries the land which affects snakes drastically, especially the burzowers which have
taken millions of years to become specially adapted to this way of life. India is facing
more land degradation than probably any part ofthe earth and the question is, how
long will it take before we produce another vast Sahara Desert? Snakes, especially
the large conspicuous ones like pythons and the King Cobra, are more vulnerable
than other, more adaptable or mobile creatures. No one knows what impact rampant
subsidized pesticide use is having on snakes bur it must be massive, The human race
is hell bent on producing a monoculture world inhabited by “survivors” including;
people, rats, cockroaches, crows, and ants, If any snakes survive the massive
destruction that is taking piace, they will at least be assured of plenty of ra‘s!
‘On a positive note, the banning of the snakeskin trade in India in the mid 1970s
halted a slaughter that peaked al 10 million snakes killed per year! Taouga there is
sill some snakeskin export from other countries in the region plus a small amount of
smuggling the overall numbers ace a tiny fraction of what they used to be
Snakes are caught for heir venom, mostly to produce lifesaving antivenom serum,
but also to feed a small market for biochemical research and some other medical
products. The potential for sevealing more pharmecological scerets in snake venoms
definitely exists and research continues in snake venorn toxicology. Ihe Inula Snake
Catchers’ Cooperative Society in mil Nadu, India produces most ofthe venom
used for the Auge quantities of amtivenom serum needed in India. This unique
cooperative is owned and operated by traditional tribal snake hunters. One oftheir
revolutionary approaches to the business of venom extraction isto release the anakes
back into the wild after four extractions
ALthe top of the food chain, snakes are a vital component of our ecosystem, besides
being colorful, sinuous, graceful ereatures that we just can’t help admiring.
12
13
FURTHER READING
BOOKS
1. Daniel, 1. €. 2092, 7h Repiles end Amphibia
Society. Oxford Univerily Press, Mumbai. 218 pp.
Das, L 2002, 4 Photographie Guide 10 the Snakes und Other Reptiles of Ina. New
Holland Publishers (UK) Led. 145 pp.
3. lime O. and Zug, G. 1996. Snates in pp.
Ganther A.C.L.G, 1864, the Reptiles a British India. London. (Ray Society). Reprinted
by Oxford & 1.1. 11. Publishing Co. New Delki, 452 pp. (Also available as a fiee pal
cowload or che net),
5. Gyi, KK. 1970, 4 Revision of Colubria Snakes ofthe Subfamiby Ho
Kansas Publications, Museum of Natural History, Lawrence. 20:
Heatwole N. 1999, Seu Snutes. U.N. S. W. Press, Syares, Australia, 143 po,
7. Minton, S.A, 1966, 4 «
Auericun Muscum of Natural History 34: 184 po,
5. Pope, C. 11. 1935, The Repnies of
Museum of Netural History, Natural History Central Asia, New
9. Schleich, H. H. & Kistle, W. 2002. Amp
Kucliz Scieniie Books, Germany. 1201 pp.
Li Schulz, KD, 1996. 4 Munegraph of the Colubri
Koel Scienifie Books, Germany. 439 pp.
1. Shaw, GE, Shebbeara 1.0. & Berker, P. E. (reprints 200
sblishing House, Delhi. 125 pp.
12. de Silva, A. 1990. Clow Guide ro he Snakes of S11.
13, Smith, M. A. 1943, the Huma of British Idi, Ce
of the Vol. HL. $e
See pp. 5
M. Sint, M. A. 1926. Monograph of she Sea suakes (Help
Loudon. 15% pp.
15. Wall, E, 1921. Ophidia Tapmsbamion or The Snakes af Ceylon. Govemment Press,
Colombo. 1993 - reprinted by Navrang, India. $81 pp.
16, Whitaker, 1978. Common dan Snakes: À Field Ga
Book nf s Rombay Naturel History
ion. Smthsorian Institution. 2
nibntion to the Herperologr of est Pakisian, Bulle. ofthe
Lizards. American
10: 604 pp.
Derbwors:
he Fitzinger
ie Snates of kim and
to. R & A Publishing, UK. 130 pp)
J Burma,
rancis, London. 583 po
incising the while
Taylor a
ide, Macenilan India LA. 154 pp,
JOURNALS & NEWSLETTERS
1. JOURNAL. OP THE ROMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. Mombay Natural History
Society, Horak! House, S. Bhaga: Singh Road. Mumbai £00 023, Maharashire, Ind a.
2. HAMADRYAD. Jocmal ofthe Centre tor Herpetology/Madus Crocodiíe Mani Teast Post
Bug 4, Mamallapraram 603 104, Tamil Nudu, Indi
3. CORRE. Newsletter of she Cheat Snake Park Ts, Raj Baavan Post, Chen 600 022,
Tamil Nada, lei,
ELYING SNAKI: Chrsapelea omara
BOOKS
1. Daniel, 1. €. 2092, 7h Repiles end Amphibia
Society. Oxford Univerily Press, Mumbai. 218 pp.
Das, L 2002, 4 Photographie Guide 10 the Snakes und Other Reptiles of Ina. New
Holland Publishers (UK) Led. 145 pp.
3. lime O. and Zug, G. 1996. Snates in pp.
Ganther A.C.L.G, 1864, the Reptiles a British India. London. (Ray Society). Reprinted
by Oxford & 1.1. 11. Publishing Co. New Delki, 452 pp. (Also available as a fiee pal
cowload or che net),
5. Gyi, KK. 1970, 4 Revision of Colubria Snakes ofthe Subfamiby Ho
Kansas Publications, Museum of Natural History, Lawrence. 20:
Heatwole N. 1999, Seu Snutes. U.N. S. W. Press, Syares, Australia, 143 po,
7. Minton, S.A, 1966, 4 «
Auericun Muscum of Natural History 34: 184 po,
5. Pope, C. 11. 1935, The Repnies of
Museum of Netural History, Natural History Central Asia, New
9. Schleich, H. H. & Kistle, W. 2002. Amp
Kucliz Scieniie Books, Germany. 1201 pp.
Li Schulz, KD, 1996. 4 Munegraph of the Colubri
Koel Scienifie Books, Germany. 439 pp.
1. Shaw, GE, Shebbeara 1.0. & Berker, P. E. (reprints 200
sblishing House, Delhi. 125 pp.
12. de Silva, A. 1990. Clow Guide ro he Snakes of S11.
13, Smith, M. A. 1943, the Huma of British Idi, Ce
of the Vol. HL. $e
See pp. 5
M. Sint, M. A. 1926. Monograph of she Sea suakes (Help
Loudon. 15% pp.
15. Wall, E, 1921. Ophidia Tapmsbamion or The Snakes af Ceylon. Govemment Press,
Colombo. 1993 - reprinted by Navrang, India. $81 pp.
16, Whitaker, 1978. Common dan Snakes: À Field Ga
Book nf s Rombay Naturel History
ion. Smthsorian Institution. 2
nibntion to the Herperologr of est Pakisian, Bulle. ofthe
Lizards. American
10: 604 pp.
Derbwors:
he Fitzinger
ie Snates of kim and
to. R & A Publishing, UK. 130 pp)
J Burma,
rancis, London. 583 po
incising the while
Taylor a
ide, Macenilan India LA. 154 pp,
JOURNALS & NEWSLETTERS
1. JOURNAL. OP THE ROMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. Mombay Natural History
Society, Horak! House, S. Bhaga: Singh Road. Mumbai £00 023, Maharashire, Ind a.
2. HAMADRYAD. Jocmal ofthe Centre tor Herpetology/Madus Crocodiíe Mani Teast Post
Bug 4, Mamallapraram 603 104, Tamil Nudu, Indi
3. CORRE. Newsletter of she Cheat Snake Park Ts, Raj Baavan Post, Chen 600 022,
Tamil Nada, lei,
ELYING SNAKI: Chrsapelea omara
CHECKLIST OF THE SNAKES OF INDIA
Since common names of snakes often differ secording (0 an uuthor's preference,
it is important to cross-check the snake's xcientif name. The capitalized name is
the Genus which may contain a number of species with similar characters, Because
some snakes seem to be in a state of evolution which makes them slighty different
from others of their species, scientists muy give them ar extra name as subspecies,
Snakes mey vary in color and pattern; sometimes beby snakes will look very dizferent
from thcir parents. This is why herpetologists have a system of scale counting and
examining teeth and hemipenes to confia a snake's identity.
contrib to bis chook,
À
sons Worta Snake
lender-necked Worm Snake
Disrd's Worm Snake
sakes Worm Snake
Worms Seake
Thursows Worm Snake
il
3
À
E
&
Darjeeling Worm Snake
Loveridye’s Woun Snake
‘Slender Worm Stake
ünther’s Worm Snake
Assanı Worta Snake
Analia Worts Suake
Common name
‘Oates’ Worm Snake
Jan
This checklist is based or the current classification of saakes, but changes do happen
which can be confusing. For any snake names which heve heen changed since
Malcolm Smiti’s book was published in 1943, we have also given the old name
Ax far as possible the checklist is in the order given by Smilı (1943). Species
described post Smith have been added at the end of their genus listing. Species
currently recognized, bul considered synonymwsubspecies by Smith have been
inserted next to their closestínominate species, There have been several taxonomic
changes since 1943; this is why some genera may seem out of place. We Lave listed
the species in this order, as relationships of many genera as well as species remein
vorly understood. The cut off date for the checklist was June 23, 2004,
ops porrectas
logs nals
Tiphlops beddomet
Tiphios oligolepie
‘Typhlops andemanensis
Tiphlops
1
Name in Smitl's Fauna
5
E
:
=
ë
Typhlops psammeces
Tphlops Marston
‘sphiopsjerdoni
Biphiops temvicolis
Topo dar d
Notes added in proof:
1. Though Rhinophis oxyriynchus (Schneider, 1801) appears on some checklists of
Indian Snakes, the sype locality “Tranquchar” may be incorrect, We ere unable to
find any authentic Indian records and have not listed it
, 1544)
1864
2. The Groove-necked Keelback Rhabdophis nuchalis (Roulenger, 1891) has just
been reported from India (Ahmed, M. F 2t al. in press)
¿reas Camprecht, Aaron Ban, Van Wallach, Roy McDiarmid and rol Vois have
rea
3. Malhotra and l'horpe (2004) have proposed a new generic arrangement for pit
vipers of the genus Trimeresurus based on morphological and molecular analyses. \
Species occurring in India and revised by them are: Cryptelyirops albolabris,
eiytrops emdersonii [sic], Cryptelyirops cantori, Cryptelytrops eryihrurus,
Crypretytrops iabialis, Cryptelviemps septentrionalis, Peitopelor mactolepis,
Popeia popeiorum, Virdovipera medoensis, Viridovipera gumprechti und
Viridovipera yumnanensis,
1559
Ex
ch
$3
re
$$
ce
Schlegel, 1839
ack, Paik aid
ST OF THE SNAKES OF INDIA!
"pios exiquaus Ja in: Jan & Sordel
Tphleps loveridget Constable, 1949
18. Bypklops meszoeiyi Wallach, 1999
Tiphlops emdamanenstsStolierka, 1871
i
El
spilops ontesii Boulenger, 1890
Ipklops mueller Schlegel
10. Tpphlopa bothriorkgnchus Gin
Scientii name currently in use
TYPHLOPIDAE Merrem, 1820
Tiphtops porrectus Stolicaka, 1871
Tphlops dian
i
ä
&
6
8
9
1
15 Grypubyphlops acutis (Damécl & Bibo
16
17
ACHECKI
1
3
16 17
Since common names of snakes often differ secording (0 an uuthor's preference,
it is important to cross-check the snake's xcientif name. The capitalized name is
the Genus which may contain a number of species with similar characters, Because
some snakes seem to be in a state of evolution which makes them slighty different
from others of their species, scientists muy give them ar extra name as subspecies,
Snakes mey vary in color and pattern; sometimes beby snakes will look very dizferent
from thcir parents. This is why herpetologists have a system of scale counting and
examining teeth and hemipenes to confia a snake's identity.
contrib to bis chook,
À
sons Worta Snake
lender-necked Worm Snake
Disrd's Worm Snake
sakes Worm Snake
Worms Seake
Thursows Worm Snake
il
3
À
E
&
Darjeeling Worm Snake
Loveridye’s Woun Snake
‘Slender Worm Stake
ünther’s Worm Snake
Assanı Worta Snake
Analia Worts Suake
Common name
‘Oates’ Worm Snake
Jan
This checklist is based or the current classification of saakes, but changes do happen
which can be confusing. For any snake names which heve heen changed since
Malcolm Smiti’s book was published in 1943, we have also given the old name
Ax far as possible the checklist is in the order given by Smilı (1943). Species
described post Smith have been added at the end of their genus listing. Species
currently recognized, bul considered synonymwsubspecies by Smith have been
inserted next to their closestínominate species, There have been several taxonomic
changes since 1943; this is why some genera may seem out of place. We Lave listed
the species in this order, as relationships of many genera as well as species remein
vorly understood. The cut off date for the checklist was June 23, 2004,
ops porrectas
logs nals
Tiphlops beddomet
Tiphios oligolepie
‘Typhlops andemanensis
Tiphlops
1
Name in Smitl's Fauna
5
E
:
=
ë
Typhlops psammeces
Tphlops Marston
‘sphiopsjerdoni
Biphiops temvicolis
Topo dar d
Notes added in proof:
1. Though Rhinophis oxyriynchus (Schneider, 1801) appears on some checklists of
Indian Snakes, the sype locality “Tranquchar” may be incorrect, We ere unable to
find any authentic Indian records and have not listed it
, 1544)
1864
2. The Groove-necked Keelback Rhabdophis nuchalis (Roulenger, 1891) has just
been reported from India (Ahmed, M. F 2t al. in press)
¿reas Camprecht, Aaron Ban, Van Wallach, Roy McDiarmid and rol Vois have
rea
3. Malhotra and l'horpe (2004) have proposed a new generic arrangement for pit
vipers of the genus Trimeresurus based on morphological and molecular analyses. \
Species occurring in India and revised by them are: Cryptelyirops albolabris,
eiytrops emdersonii [sic], Cryptelyirops cantori, Cryptelytrops eryihrurus,
Crypretytrops iabialis, Cryptelviemps septentrionalis, Peitopelor mactolepis,
Popeia popeiorum, Virdovipera medoensis, Viridovipera gumprechti und
Viridovipera yumnanensis,
1559
Ex
ch
$3
re
$$
ce
Schlegel, 1839
ack, Paik aid
ST OF THE SNAKES OF INDIA!
"pios exiquaus Ja in: Jan & Sordel
Tphleps loveridget Constable, 1949
18. Bypklops meszoeiyi Wallach, 1999
Tiphlops emdamanenstsStolierka, 1871
i
El
spilops ontesii Boulenger, 1890
Ipklops mueller Schlegel
10. Tpphlopa bothriorkgnchus Gin
Scientii name currently in use
TYPHLOPIDAE Merrem, 1820
Tiphtops porrectus Stolicaka, 1871
Tphlops dian
i
ä
&
6
8
9
1
15 Grypubyphlops acutis (Damécl & Bibo
16
17
ACHECKI
1
3
16 17
Scie mame rent se [Nome ie Smits Hawes Comino
a
LUPTOTYPHLOPIDAE Seep 1852)
19. Loop orales, 180) Loop anor Si Tne Sane
apo ann aod (Boulos, 130) Man Moss Sake
UUROPRETIMALE Mar 1852
20 Neth pnciaa em 182 ph pts + Pid bly Sie
21 Ampli Sonn Ber 1870 eigen Monon Yon Sid
22. ll yodo (Bos, 186) amp rales Worn Shiela
22 Maisons talco Bede, ED) Playpen mine Tee Shela
24. Ploypccrne adress Bao, 1877 Papen dace Matra Sl
25 Term minis (Bebe, 167) nera sogas West Sit
26 rote rg Wall, 192 Triana rogue VAS
7 ces eros Damen, 19. er erat Pete Shad
28 Mover gueule Bede 130) Pl gue Pape Si
20 Pisces es et, 180 Plena ‘Glen St
3 Pimms caries (ete, 10) Pc care Kara Sita
BA Um ate (Gr 1858) Lee in lit Sii =
32. pel an Nesom, 1878) impel mis nenn Sila
35 Ups eu Bebo, 18) Urpotie solia Nii Shits
34 Up ins (Bee, 167) peti dindigolonte Dia Shel
35. rel ed (me, 862) {mpl eet Dedtanes steal
rt ehr mr
‘Scho name era ne Name Sais Feane Common nan
36 repele mace (Bellas, 77) rote maca Ava Shc
37. tipa won eal, 876) repels woboune Biel Sel
38 Unrate macs (cam 1852) pots marae posi Mie
pelt macro map Peer 142) Lge cales Ste
Unai mac math Ch 155 Malev Sal
35 pl onen Or, 1 repas cons Ken Shits
20 Copa reps ete, 15) ropas rea Time St
rl acc arts (Gee. 18) Empate. ares cl Si
pets nen made (Ballon, 187) gets mado Peres
AL Und brome esco, 867) pet abria Redo cal
{© nga lat (Gt, 115) ee Reid ik
{Gps pon Mat, 1885) Ur paso Paisa Si
48 ropas mor (Baa, 189) patie ptes arta
AS. pa pant (econ, 878) pets bora ‘Sa Shik
46 Cops mul (Become, 1578) pat mains ed ied Slt
37 Cpe ee (Bates 18) pati peat Pe Sti
48 opt ane ihe LS) Unga ire ‘Aon ti
8 Greco nas Bello. 1863) Crane pise PS
30 Let ea Cas, 1906 spas grant Viola sli
SL Rann sagas eee, NES Rhingh some Rese Shida
82 Rivonia mans Bole 1896 cp fran Carmen Sit
53. Rinne meurs Bose, 193. Bey mme Mae Sich
3 Gp Neopets erp mak ie Ke
a
LUPTOTYPHLOPIDAE Seep 1852)
19. Loop orales, 180) Loop anor Si Tne Sane
apo ann aod (Boulos, 130) Man Moss Sake
UUROPRETIMALE Mar 1852
20 Neth pnciaa em 182 ph pts + Pid bly Sie
21 Ampli Sonn Ber 1870 eigen Monon Yon Sid
22. ll yodo (Bos, 186) amp rales Worn Shiela
22 Maisons talco Bede, ED) Playpen mine Tee Shela
24. Ploypccrne adress Bao, 1877 Papen dace Matra Sl
25 Term minis (Bebe, 167) nera sogas West Sit
26 rote rg Wall, 192 Triana rogue VAS
7 ces eros Damen, 19. er erat Pete Shad
28 Mover gueule Bede 130) Pl gue Pape Si
20 Pisces es et, 180 Plena ‘Glen St
3 Pimms caries (ete, 10) Pc care Kara Sita
BA Um ate (Gr 1858) Lee in lit Sii =
32. pel an Nesom, 1878) impel mis nenn Sila
35 Ups eu Bebo, 18) Urpotie solia Nii Shits
34 Up ins (Bee, 167) peti dindigolonte Dia Shel
35. rel ed (me, 862) {mpl eet Dedtanes steal
rt ehr mr
‘Scho name era ne Name Sais Feane Common nan
36 repele mace (Bellas, 77) rote maca Ava Shc
37. tipa won eal, 876) repels woboune Biel Sel
38 Unrate macs (cam 1852) pots marae posi Mie
pelt macro map Peer 142) Lge cales Ste
Unai mac math Ch 155 Malev Sal
35 pl onen Or, 1 repas cons Ken Shits
20 Copa reps ete, 15) ropas rea Time St
rl acc arts (Gee. 18) Empate. ares cl Si
pets nen made (Ballon, 187) gets mado Peres
AL Und brome esco, 867) pet abria Redo cal
{© nga lat (Gt, 115) ee Reid ik
{Gps pon Mat, 1885) Ur paso Paisa Si
48 ropas mor (Baa, 189) patie ptes arta
AS. pa pant (econ, 878) pets bora ‘Sa Shik
46 Cops mul (Become, 1578) pat mains ed ied Slt
37 Cpe ee (Bates 18) pati peat Pe Sti
48 opt ane ihe LS) Unga ire ‘Aon ti
8 Greco nas Bello. 1863) Crane pise PS
30 Let ea Cas, 1906 spas grant Viola sli
SL Rann sagas eee, NES Rhingh some Rese Shida
82 Rivonia mans Bole 1896 cp fran Carmen Sit
53. Rinne meurs Bose, 193. Bey mme Mae Sich
3 Gp Neopets erp mak ie Ke
8 Seti name eurent nse Seven She sume Coron mae
XENOPELTIDAK Noga, 15
SS empleador Bi, 127 ona wien Sem Sate
PYTHONIDAR Fines 1826
55 Dé malas Cos 1758) Prom ers ose as
yn notre mtr Lera, 1738) yon as Todi Roe yes
es bres Bots Ka, VOR a bass Bese y
8 Po ec haider, 1901) Portes Rated Pon
BOIDAE Gey 105
57. Geer coma Sede, 101) ES men san es
‘Gogg cnica cones (Sai, NOM
58 Bat oe 190.) ro o ee San Bo
Eau ha sel. 101) nae Rat Send Be
9 Epa a! Das, 191° Whisker Bas
ACROCHORDIDAE Bars 191
doa rama Sebi, 19) rn man Fe Ska
{CO URIDAE Opp 1811"
61. arr mesos Tots, 168 Para mars Dacia Soar
nee re sp st Gps cai! cas ao Gut ces él 190) in
yeaa Ao ype sen ied eB
= tena ery ae rng Roo te eit on ese Wee unl ES oc rte
Seti mame corona se Namen Stma
2 Pa ancl Catt, 839) Pose mente
188. Moat Aa rer, I Sata item
Bla rain (Bi 150) ph ona Gran rt Saks a
ES lhe reta (04 1859) pie ono rat ate
86 Goma cota (306, II) oh espa Rested Tick Sane
7 Costes ana (Boi, 1627) Piste tie Copper ee Tink Sse
8 Colma inate Se rl, 187) Fite intra Blas led Tike Ske!
esnips Tinta Sue
18 Casonas or Di, 1909) ptr ten rm Sa
ken ae ee Dai, 1803) Common Tra rat
renta hls tir (che, Mouse Take Sake
IM Ong taras Coe, 1861) ge na Sd Toth Sie
CE ira Sip at Se
FOr ds (Gates, 1860) Pape den Hs Tihs Ske
7 Orpi ar (Cas, 189) Fe canis asec ike Soe
‘ante or Caan 139) ne tea Bande Tee sake
lah pps prices (Cn, 198) ‘Wise de Tine ak
74. apropia manor (er, 1880) tape nti Mandi Th Stake
35 Por noma, 158) Par cone Inds Ra Sake
ins ua cer (ese 1789) Tar Ro Sake
76. Presto Stee 1817) Pra tars ind. Mn Sab
77. Ros neonate Bd, 19 Lau mermas Oro RX Ss
Crane roma (Gr, 83) Color mains Gai Race
22 Feng sn GE mme on ori tete
XENOPELTIDAK Noga, 15
SS empleador Bi, 127 ona wien Sem Sate
PYTHONIDAR Fines 1826
55 Dé malas Cos 1758) Prom ers ose as
yn notre mtr Lera, 1738) yon as Todi Roe yes
es bres Bots Ka, VOR a bass Bese y
8 Po ec haider, 1901) Portes Rated Pon
BOIDAE Gey 105
57. Geer coma Sede, 101) ES men san es
‘Gogg cnica cones (Sai, NOM
58 Bat oe 190.) ro o ee San Bo
Eau ha sel. 101) nae Rat Send Be
9 Epa a! Das, 191° Whisker Bas
ACROCHORDIDAE Bars 191
doa rama Sebi, 19) rn man Fe Ska
{CO URIDAE Opp 1811"
61. arr mesos Tots, 168 Para mars Dacia Soar
nee re sp st Gps cai! cas ao Gut ces él 190) in
yeaa Ao ype sen ied eB
= tena ery ae rng Roo te eit on ese Wee unl ES oc rte
Seti mame corona se Namen Stma
2 Pa ancl Catt, 839) Pose mente
188. Moat Aa rer, I Sata item
Bla rain (Bi 150) ph ona Gran rt Saks a
ES lhe reta (04 1859) pie ono rat ate
86 Goma cota (306, II) oh espa Rested Tick Sane
7 Costes ana (Boi, 1627) Piste tie Copper ee Tink Sse
8 Colma inate Se rl, 187) Fite intra Blas led Tike Ske!
esnips Tinta Sue
18 Casonas or Di, 1909) ptr ten rm Sa
ken ae ee Dai, 1803) Common Tra rat
renta hls tir (che, Mouse Take Sake
IM Ong taras Coe, 1861) ge na Sd Toth Sie
CE ira Sip at Se
FOr ds (Gates, 1860) Pape den Hs Tihs Ske
7 Orpi ar (Cas, 189) Fe canis asec ike Soe
‘ante or Caan 139) ne tea Bande Tee sake
lah pps prices (Cn, 198) ‘Wise de Tine ak
74. apropia manor (er, 1880) tape nti Mandi Th Stake
35 Por noma, 158) Par cone Inds Ra Sake
ins ua cer (ese 1789) Tar Ro Sake
76. Presto Stee 1817) Pra tars ind. Mn Sab
77. Ros neonate Bd, 19 Lau mermas Oro RX Ss
Crane roma (Gr, 83) Color mains Gai Race
22 Feng sn GE mme on ori tete
æ
s
ES
Sata cr
Colt co (Andere, ST
Arge iii Si 1892)
ote gti (inte 2
Calter ica Bis, 180
‘Sern dame (See 157)
Sharp aces Eso 1885
‘Srl rms lo ree, 1890)
(Octo doi Bolerge, 138
ois rat tt, 158)
eps valet Got 189)
epi calmar Gt, 858)
Gogo carom Sc, IE)
Lewis er (Gan, 1860)
ns prado (ats, 173)
Coca tiara ate 16)
han ocios (Cas. 189)
‘tga oa eras (Cat, 185)
tendria Wal 19)
tn eme Ache Ha, 956
ern and (8,190)
ome Set Fa
Che rade
Ch ui
Cutter
Cotto don do
‘Conte ddan are
Celda aora
Onin dei
Leptin
pl ste
Den
Lipitor
Lake
Lorna paradis
Cuenca brin
Die eye
tn och
Of ion
icon ander
Esse C Rawr
Bak Rice
Sear ce
Da ace
Nerea ate
Motos Ros Sake
Dh nte Boga She
asp ya Snke
Green Sone
ind Stachel Sake
Soest Stipe mes 8
Le: Sie mk Sake
Novarip Sake
aan Sree Suda
‘Si tbe Sake
Inn Spo ee
(Cates Kah Sake
(Cara's Kok Sake
Sie sped ot Soe
Coral Sa
Dosing Keb Sake
os pay & 29) ae o ade, 71 pero (Ot) They a ar Nr
‘Ser SFA ete aap te ay Cer mt Seam WH aC cm Sh A all pel To
ia oil paler palco.
D E fay Ka e LD RD ASS
orar Ma
‘sat i euer awe
(asp ocn (Cao, 1539)
Ogden WA 15227
Ole mers (ar,
re ino 191)
Otome (Gane, 186)
eon venue nk, 153)
Otten mars Recto, 17
tados vote do, 165)
Oh nolan foc Gane 1869
gato rn sr)
Ogaden clamor innen, 781)
Ole race Wal 910
ton mens wa, Ih
Ohio fr Gate, 1862
a rectas (Gene, 186)
lg roger Reg. 1
goon en (By, 18)
sg rast Ge, 830
goer naht Wa Dar.
Dee ren demande, 171)
9.0 econ ping eae
Conan name
‘Wine aed Kok Ske
era Saks
“Yelp Ka Sn
Mealy Kas Sn
Blak posed Kale she
Trasse Ka ase
als Kok Sta
Into Soe Rk Sa
Conan Katie
Role Ku Suse
Rass a Se
Blk Ke Sake
‘Wom Kl Ske
Sasi Ske
Res li Kas Ske
Nets Kult Ske
‘Speed be Sake
asi Ka Sone
(Claret Rev Sue
Pid Brock Senke
nen setool Tr
‘Aa Pos eee Toate
s
ES
Sata cr
Colt co (Andere, ST
Arge iii Si 1892)
ote gti (inte 2
Calter ica Bis, 180
‘Sern dame (See 157)
Sharp aces Eso 1885
‘Srl rms lo ree, 1890)
(Octo doi Bolerge, 138
ois rat tt, 158)
eps valet Got 189)
epi calmar Gt, 858)
Gogo carom Sc, IE)
Lewis er (Gan, 1860)
ns prado (ats, 173)
Coca tiara ate 16)
han ocios (Cas. 189)
‘tga oa eras (Cat, 185)
tendria Wal 19)
tn eme Ache Ha, 956
ern and (8,190)
ome Set Fa
Che rade
Ch ui
Cutter
Cotto don do
‘Conte ddan are
Celda aora
Onin dei
Leptin
pl ste
Den
Lipitor
Lake
Lorna paradis
Cuenca brin
Die eye
tn och
Of ion
icon ander
Esse C Rawr
Bak Rice
Sear ce
Da ace
Nerea ate
Motos Ros Sake
Dh nte Boga She
asp ya Snke
Green Sone
ind Stachel Sake
Soest Stipe mes 8
Le: Sie mk Sake
Novarip Sake
aan Sree Suda
‘Si tbe Sake
Inn Spo ee
(Cates Kah Sake
(Cara's Kok Sake
Sie sped ot Soe
Coral Sa
Dosing Keb Sake
os pay & 29) ae o ade, 71 pero (Ot) They a ar Nr
‘Ser SFA ete aap te ay Cer mt Seam WH aC cm Sh A all pel To
ia oil paler palco.
D E fay Ka e LD RD ASS
orar Ma
‘sat i euer awe
(asp ocn (Cao, 1539)
Ogden WA 15227
Ole mers (ar,
re ino 191)
Otome (Gane, 186)
eon venue nk, 153)
Otten mars Recto, 17
tados vote do, 165)
Oh nolan foc Gane 1869
gato rn sr)
Ogaden clamor innen, 781)
Ole race Wal 910
ton mens wa, Ih
Ohio fr Gate, 1862
a rectas (Gene, 186)
lg roger Reg. 1
goon en (By, 18)
sg rast Ge, 830
goer naht Wa Dar.
Dee ren demande, 171)
9.0 econ ping eae
Conan name
‘Wine aed Kok Ske
era Saks
“Yelp Ka Sn
Mealy Kas Sn
Blak posed Kale she
Trasse Ka ase
als Kok Sta
Into Soe Rk Sa
Conan Katie
Role Ku Suse
Rass a Se
Blk Ke Sake
‘Wom Kl Ske
Sasi Ske
Res li Kas Ske
Nets Kult Ske
‘Speed be Sake
asi Ka Sone
(Claret Rev Sue
Pid Brock Senke
nen setool Tr
‘Aa Pos eee Toate
”
a
u
m
so
12
m
Scie name are we
anda coors (Val 1921)
Dando gra ere. 09
anos on (a 1910)
Dona (nd, MG
Denda bcos Balen 188)
Pong human ar: € Bis.
prole una SPA)
(hrs mis em Sb, 1832)
Cepal mat cro Wen 925
rapa parat Bi. 1527
np rm pas ie, EZ
end mama Bala, 170)
“oa ann übe.
Laden ru Sas, 12)
Le aan (Sa, 190)
tend rons ras (Ss, 502)
¿prado mans (07)
atin mime (Wal, 1906)
Laden ais iras, 1788
ton ah 182
Laden et Anderem, IX
Name Sais Fon
ae ymin
hal riots
Sale oe
‘Mace
Ara bonn.
en
Chess parade
enden nee
Toni aie
cad nome
ain mate
Len nl
ande ma pus
Le jac
Coma ame
Gee Brak Teo Snte
Le pu erik Ts Stabs
lan Breese Te Sak
arc Brn Te See
Monin ones Fe Sake
sta Bitar Tee rote
(One sin Sake
nar Omas Fi Sue
Shea Ann on sks
se Fi Ske
Parade reste
“ace oi se
akin Wt Sake
Velo re Ws
Baro Wa See
Noel WiSe
age Wal Stake
ai’ Ware
(om Wolke
(nca War Sane
Banda Wall
ST in ig en pce i cb a nn Ne La m ac
is
ise
is
OR Sn co Kamen Md Nest Ce as Rates eatin
‘Sot ma corey wi
‘endo ta Bias € Sal 1963
‘enon ana Shc, aa, Wn Tn, 08, 2
inn serna (Cte, 185)
‘ison pee (Sn 1875)
Donates wpa (Dd, 18)
posais werds (Que, 156)
‘Styne cre ry 85)
‘Sign no Den hr el 18)
Sion has (Gut, 189)
Sire iris Cats, 189)
Apacs son! MAL 190)
rs poe (sen, 190)
epica tere Sele 181)
Aopen thas (Bog 1590)
“upon nes nde, 1873)
“mpc pea See, 81)
“anges er (VAL 1907)
mp pains (Go, 1858)
emp pu (See, 199)
“Kemps sajones During, 190)
Don prima
Don gl
Dis ropa
Pontet
She cans
Sept gun
Sm han
She mis
art ve
or part
ox econ.
Hart irs
Nord made
ota pot
Done poe
a pet poner
ato pear ph
Gatton)
a a nel nen ne pn di
Common name
‘ean Wo Seats
Zane WS
Ga Fe Wa Sake
Sikkim Fase Wl Stake
See ea Sane
Cota adhe Set
Domi ache ae
gu Blac hed Sake
Car Bde See
cacas Spd estat,
ester Kooba
‘tate Kick
at Ketek
Cher Kets
Spots Ke
(hed Ke
Sete Kat
a
u
m
so
12
m
Scie name are we
anda coors (Val 1921)
Dando gra ere. 09
anos on (a 1910)
Dona (nd, MG
Denda bcos Balen 188)
Pong human ar: € Bis.
prole una SPA)
(hrs mis em Sb, 1832)
Cepal mat cro Wen 925
rapa parat Bi. 1527
np rm pas ie, EZ
end mama Bala, 170)
“oa ann übe.
Laden ru Sas, 12)
Le aan (Sa, 190)
tend rons ras (Ss, 502)
¿prado mans (07)
atin mime (Wal, 1906)
Laden ais iras, 1788
ton ah 182
Laden et Anderem, IX
Name Sais Fon
ae ymin
hal riots
Sale oe
‘Mace
Ara bonn.
en
Chess parade
enden nee
Toni aie
cad nome
ain mate
Len nl
ande ma pus
Le jac
Coma ame
Gee Brak Teo Snte
Le pu erik Ts Stabs
lan Breese Te Sak
arc Brn Te See
Monin ones Fe Sake
sta Bitar Tee rote
(One sin Sake
nar Omas Fi Sue
Shea Ann on sks
se Fi Ske
Parade reste
“ace oi se
akin Wt Sake
Velo re Ws
Baro Wa See
Noel WiSe
age Wal Stake
ai’ Ware
(om Wolke
(nca War Sane
Banda Wall
ST in ig en pce i cb a nn Ne La m ac
is
ise
is
OR Sn co Kamen Md Nest Ce as Rates eatin
‘Sot ma corey wi
‘endo ta Bias € Sal 1963
‘enon ana Shc, aa, Wn Tn, 08, 2
inn serna (Cte, 185)
‘ison pee (Sn 1875)
Donates wpa (Dd, 18)
posais werds (Que, 156)
‘Styne cre ry 85)
‘Sign no Den hr el 18)
Sion has (Gut, 189)
Sire iris Cats, 189)
Apacs son! MAL 190)
rs poe (sen, 190)
epica tere Sele 181)
Aopen thas (Bog 1590)
“upon nes nde, 1873)
“mpc pea See, 81)
“anges er (VAL 1907)
mp pains (Go, 1858)
emp pu (See, 199)
“Kemps sajones During, 190)
Don prima
Don gl
Dis ropa
Pontet
She cans
Sept gun
Sm han
She mis
art ve
or part
ox econ.
Hart irs
Nord made
ota pot
Done poe
a pet poner
ato pear ph
Gatton)
a a nel nen ne pn di
Common name
‘ean Wo Seats
Zane WS
Ga Fe Wa Sake
Sikkim Fase Wl Stake
See ea Sane
Cota adhe Set
Domi ache ae
gu Blac hed Sake
Car Bde See
cacas Spd estat,
ester Kooba
‘tate Kick
at Ketek
Cher Kets
Spots Ke
(hed Ke
Sete Kat
x
1”
160
161
18
165
164
us
166
16
¿teni cam caren ov
“Konocti ae 1460)
veh pact aaa (Bao, 160)
ener ments (Gabo, 1507)
“ecm mers 152)
Sem era pcre (Berger. 189)
Reais hal (Ondes 186)
ati mine Segal.
Apes sida (aes, 758)
pte lar Uy 165
Acie old (Gre, 1860)
em Ban (Gr, 865)
puma mols rd, AS)
rennen marge (O,
Prendes rs maca (PUS 136)
copie palo (Ce; 189)
opis panto pila, 185)
nectar mg (Cane, 153)
‘sem sun Dain, SCH
Tria onto Ca 189)
Tasca sce Di, 18}
ection genen Bulges, 150
Name m Se as
‘ote pct aru
an pct mur
ai mala
‘sor ports
eri nan
‘Neral
ar plans
ari pic
Nori sol
ae menta
Puendcocdos mar
engine pin
ons ragen
tum sehen
acct mon
chen san
‘cise pure
Comm nae
eine sind Kerik
Andis Kock
‘Trample pan Kedhoce
Che Kents
san Keck
Dre
Sigal Keck
emir Mona Ke
Serie Kosta
oes Keck
Fake Co
Fa Gb
(en Keck
nn Gren Kets
‘or ell Mana Sa
line Kea
‘Asi Or Ser Ss
Dai Oneal Se Sa
anes Osito Sede Sk
rete mic oy ingre ip lina fd in eines u i tion
RE yes nl lec oh AV
Te aby men nit ee ón.
ré
im
so
m
14
1
196
1
we
m
wm
Seti ame carre nae
rach ees By 185)
habs as (bene, 186)
has blr Wha 85)
bn att, $5)
Ap por (Da, Bion & Dail 1859)
sie cross (nr, 825)
ig emacs (ae,
Bas crac (Cube, 1869)
ip cruces ches at, 188)
ai sete din, 1509)
Bag cre al Sd, 1
Bago ergo Bei, 802)
Bose myers ronda Bei D)
ose goto (Gy, 1534)
ign ries ante 188)
ge home CL 1909)
Boy hi Gal 1875)
Doig anne (VA 3)
Bolg quate UA, 1915)
‘oie urea De ro & Dani 85)
Doig ufc 61)
Bowe oe Keon, 1973
Hoge oe Dae hon Dan, 185)
ame i Seth's Fue
names
Rats cis
Rats ect
pta ts
Hol parar
ph senior
ola mone
Bouche
oiga. coves
Dojo trace
Boge. wait
Boi rian
Boga goto
ot colon
aga eya
Bega color
ta coloma
Dot quote
Bagueyeres
Anis inci
Beten
Bota na
Common same
“Ornate rel Sen Suche
‘Oe ere Sake
‘Yelle Fae Sake
‘Seip Neo ended Soe
(tis aro head Sah
Pare aout at eae
Toroy Ce Sake
matin Teeny Cu Seto
asen ey Cat sel
‘Wale Tray Co Sake
(Cn Cat Senke
Cela Cu Ske
Cole Ca Sat
‘Anda Cx Sse
‘vor Cat eke
‘eee Co See
Martial Ca Saha
Eyes Caste
Feces Cu Ste
1”
160
161
18
165
164
us
166
16
¿teni cam caren ov
“Konocti ae 1460)
veh pact aaa (Bao, 160)
ener ments (Gabo, 1507)
“ecm mers 152)
Sem era pcre (Berger. 189)
Reais hal (Ondes 186)
ati mine Segal.
Apes sida (aes, 758)
pte lar Uy 165
Acie old (Gre, 1860)
em Ban (Gr, 865)
puma mols rd, AS)
rennen marge (O,
Prendes rs maca (PUS 136)
copie palo (Ce; 189)
opis panto pila, 185)
nectar mg (Cane, 153)
‘sem sun Dain, SCH
Tria onto Ca 189)
Tasca sce Di, 18}
ection genen Bulges, 150
Name m Se as
‘ote pct aru
an pct mur
ai mala
‘sor ports
eri nan
‘Neral
ar plans
ari pic
Nori sol
ae menta
Puendcocdos mar
engine pin
ons ragen
tum sehen
acct mon
chen san
‘cise pure
Comm nae
eine sind Kerik
Andis Kock
‘Trample pan Kedhoce
Che Kents
san Keck
Dre
Sigal Keck
emir Mona Ke
Serie Kosta
oes Keck
Fake Co
Fa Gb
(en Keck
nn Gren Kets
‘or ell Mana Sa
line Kea
‘Asi Or Ser Ss
Dai Oneal Se Sa
anes Osito Sede Sk
rete mic oy ingre ip lina fd in eines u i tion
RE yes nl lec oh AV
Te aby men nit ee ón.
ré
im
so
m
14
1
196
1
we
m
wm
Seti ame carre nae
rach ees By 185)
habs as (bene, 186)
has blr Wha 85)
bn att, $5)
Ap por (Da, Bion & Dail 1859)
sie cross (nr, 825)
ig emacs (ae,
Bas crac (Cube, 1869)
ip cruces ches at, 188)
ai sete din, 1509)
Bag cre al Sd, 1
Bago ergo Bei, 802)
Bose myers ronda Bei D)
ose goto (Gy, 1534)
ign ries ante 188)
ge home CL 1909)
Boy hi Gal 1875)
Doig anne (VA 3)
Bolg quate UA, 1915)
‘oie urea De ro & Dani 85)
Doig ufc 61)
Bowe oe Keon, 1973
Hoge oe Dae hon Dan, 185)
ame i Seth's Fue
names
Rats cis
Rats ect
pta ts
Hol parar
ph senior
ola mone
Bouche
oiga. coves
Dojo trace
Boge. wait
Boi rian
Boga goto
ot colon
aga eya
Bega color
ta coloma
Dot quote
Bagueyeres
Anis inci
Beten
Bota na
Common same
“Ornate rel Sen Suche
‘Oe ere Sake
‘Yelle Fae Sake
‘Seip Neo ended Soe
(tis aro head Sah
Pare aout at eae
Toroy Ce Sake
matin Teeny Cu Seto
asen ey Cat sel
‘Wale Tray Co Sake
(Cn Cat Senke
Cela Cu Ske
Cole Ca Sat
‘Anda Cx Sse
‘vor Cat eke
‘eee Co See
Martial Ca Saha
Eyes Caste
Feces Cu Ste
m
m
m
Le
as
29
ES
m
ES
zu
Bs
ie earn
Bog cg (lege, 41
‘Bag ala Das 197
Pamper (ora 119)
Ph or een, 1820)
Praha onion Boles 106
‘omit Cnr, 189
Procter pavor (06, 182)
Asc porn (a Bion & Dui 1881)
“Ala prime, 882)
vel macia (Gb. 1859)
aca pra (Be, 1527
‘ee pasiva pra Gol, 122)
enla mc sep, ion
cal tra Dom, von A Dae, 1550)
né pde Bco 1827)
En pa Steer. 199
nt oem Der, Bb er, 15)
Fir bees, 157)
iron che (Sener)
jeans posta Edo & Genis 185)
ait neta Seg, 17)
Cert volea Gea 1857
cn wer Nee 1863
pat usarios Cu 159)
Bungee fis (See 01)
‘pr ads (Shae, 1601)
ar nda Boden 697
Pang tarro, 197
‘Beguine WL 1607
Bug anda Bis & Sp. 1978
Pan er Wl 5
Dans nina Comer, 1609
Calp rines (So, 1802)
Calp mimar mios (Sm. 10)
Cais grscns ne, 852)
Cot ene Suits, 195
Site acl Reiser 184)
Sims merci mac (citant, 184)
‘Since wasn aa (er 10)
Cat ro a, 15)
‘ater Lice, 1758)
git, 1.
Nagin Wal, 1913
‘Salona cal, 131)
Opps hama Cte, 1136
Bot din:
Prono htt
Pron con
Tears ames
Prone a
Pons ah
Doe pom
Dole er
Dep fins
Dep pra
Dog
Dong als
is ta
Bae mpi
Ends tases
are et
Carers one
Go pra
ona icon
Canales
can emana
ams Sa anna
Barr brutos
nfs
arpa comi
omg mat
Pump nr
Bungie
Calis mors
Cap eco
ati can
Cats mas
at ion
Salandanga
ar out
Saja ht
Saja oda
jah
Common mane
Nita Ca Sake
‘tots San ee
(Cedars Sand Sake
Stout Sant est
‘Lis aed Se
Nook =
ane Hate ie ke
Gants Vie este
Riverine ate
‘Sesto Vin See
ean Vs Soe
‘we Vins Sake
rece ep sn We Se
Coston Sno cle Wer Sake
Duets Saco Ht Ske
Sel Sowie Wa Sache
ose Wate Ske
hey Mio eke
Cb Wa aks
‘alow tre Marge Sud
In Bene
Layer Kat
Bade Kt
Conan Kt
Sid Kat
‘Wale Sit Ke
ever ok Kat
Inde lente oral rake
Spe rt ane
Bodo Con Sane
aces Co Se
Mavs Cont Sante
‘Micelle Onli Cond Suche
mel vt
Spell Caer
Moet Gr
‘Asda Cobra
al sin Care.
m
m
Le
as
29
ES
m
ES
zu
Bs
ie earn
Bog cg (lege, 41
‘Bag ala Das 197
Pamper (ora 119)
Ph or een, 1820)
Praha onion Boles 106
‘omit Cnr, 189
Procter pavor (06, 182)
Asc porn (a Bion & Dui 1881)
“Ala prime, 882)
vel macia (Gb. 1859)
aca pra (Be, 1527
‘ee pasiva pra Gol, 122)
enla mc sep, ion
cal tra Dom, von A Dae, 1550)
né pde Bco 1827)
En pa Steer. 199
nt oem Der, Bb er, 15)
Fir bees, 157)
iron che (Sener)
jeans posta Edo & Genis 185)
ait neta Seg, 17)
Cert volea Gea 1857
cn wer Nee 1863
pat usarios Cu 159)
Bungee fis (See 01)
‘pr ads (Shae, 1601)
ar nda Boden 697
Pang tarro, 197
‘Beguine WL 1607
Bug anda Bis & Sp. 1978
Pan er Wl 5
Dans nina Comer, 1609
Calp rines (So, 1802)
Calp mimar mios (Sm. 10)
Cais grscns ne, 852)
Cot ene Suits, 195
Site acl Reiser 184)
Sims merci mac (citant, 184)
‘Since wasn aa (er 10)
Cat ro a, 15)
‘ater Lice, 1758)
git, 1.
Nagin Wal, 1913
‘Salona cal, 131)
Opps hama Cte, 1136
Bot din:
Prono htt
Pron con
Tears ames
Prone a
Pons ah
Doe pom
Dole er
Dep fins
Dep pra
Dog
Dong als
is ta
Bae mpi
Ends tases
are et
Carers one
Go pra
ona icon
Canales
can emana
ams Sa anna
Barr brutos
nfs
arpa comi
omg mat
Pump nr
Bungie
Calis mors
Cap eco
ati can
Cats mas
at ion
Salandanga
ar out
Saja ht
Saja oda
jah
Common mane
Nita Ca Sake
‘tots San ee
(Cedars Sand Sake
Stout Sant est
‘Lis aed Se
Nook =
ane Hate ie ke
Gants Vie este
Riverine ate
‘Sesto Vin See
ean Vs Soe
‘we Vins Sake
rece ep sn We Se
Coston Sno cle Wer Sake
Duets Saco Ht Ske
Sel Sowie Wa Sache
ose Wate Ske
hey Mio eke
Cb Wa aks
‘alow tre Marge Sud
In Bene
Layer Kat
Bade Kt
Conan Kt
Sid Kat
‘Wale Sit Ke
ever ok Kat
Inde lente oral rake
Spe rt ane
Bodo Con Sane
aces Co Se
Mavs Cont Sante
‘Micelle Onli Cond Suche
mel vt
Spell Caer
Moet Gr
‘Asda Cobra
al sin Care.
oe
a
zu
|
29
Semi mam ac inase
HXDROPHUDAE Boi, 1527
ou neun (me, 66
auch colar Seber. 179)
Karl fen iy, 183)
erde ron Gy 188)
Prt por na Sei 1862
Eoin cha (Dunn, 180)
yt mercies Dei, 1803
ph ea Sa er
ph quinone Dai, 905
pp eher Dei, 1
Haha sols Gtr, 1964
pepe oma (Gs: 162)
ha cna rain (Oy, 180)
ph poids (Gay. 180)
sph manier Di, 190)
in canes St, 812)
pps ac (Sri, 99)
Ha ph ca Js (Saber, 17)
senil name arn ise
ape cura She, 192)
Ana set 186)
ips gots (Sh AU)
‘soph cnt ee, 864
Pats por (Uns, 276)
VIPERIDAE Bot.
Dao rast (tow € Noter, 197)
Dasara rs (Sho & Node,
Sener ben (nas 759)
rer atin come Can & Sorta, 19
chs rimes (1801)
Tec carne carina Seed, 101)
cho carne scare Stee, 869
leas aaa (Cis, 1869)
ne pme Mero 18204
Times macrotis Dede, 142
Preset seran Cat, 19)
Op mantle Get, 1863)
gi monta rena Cl, 186)
Pree emt (as, 1835)
orp ot ener (Get 15S)
rires malas Gea, 185)
Same is Faia
Land at
porn
Kate
Procite etre
Era
cc
Hot soni
nl comete
pin abc
Hap acc
pi ras man
dh pie
Hh mater
np coses
Hpbi ctas
Naan Si Fann
Lens ara
A oe
Meme ers
Maroc oes
Peta plates
pars rests
pera een
ha can
Aaron neon
cc pie
Theres waco
Ter me
Troon mince
Li m Frankel ot iin ya Ser ren en aq
Common name
Comino Sas Kit
Yes Se et
Clavo Amplis Ses Sake
er Sn se
Vienne sea Ste
ook ou eas?
Bank Ses Sake
Black tended Ses Sent
ele Ses Sak
Anal] So Sue Blo ad
Seance
Ture Se Seat
engl Sa Sake Clica Neos
ied Se Sake |
Cost Bana Ses Ske
‘rte en Sale
erin Cf Sex Sane
oy lf ea Soni
Boney Bod nee Se Sake
als Se Seep Sev Sake
Muy bl Se Ske
end eu Sa
‘Cen ae
Short ca Sa
Lodel Sí Su Sue Sn
sake
(Cs Sia eal Sa Sehe à
‘Back & Yellow Se Sent
ell Vise
Tan Ress Vier
Levine Vi
Sov sled Viet
Sse Ind Sessa Vip
Secrets Sealed Viger
mala Pt per
Hano dosed Pig
Lagos Pi Viet
Pro ane ir
Nowra Peer
Were oie Pi
Pe
Jere Bi Vor
aber it Ver
a
zu
|
29
Semi mam ac inase
HXDROPHUDAE Boi, 1527
ou neun (me, 66
auch colar Seber. 179)
Karl fen iy, 183)
erde ron Gy 188)
Prt por na Sei 1862
Eoin cha (Dunn, 180)
yt mercies Dei, 1803
ph ea Sa er
ph quinone Dai, 905
pp eher Dei, 1
Haha sols Gtr, 1964
pepe oma (Gs: 162)
ha cna rain (Oy, 180)
ph poids (Gay. 180)
sph manier Di, 190)
in canes St, 812)
pps ac (Sri, 99)
Ha ph ca Js (Saber, 17)
senil name arn ise
ape cura She, 192)
Ana set 186)
ips gots (Sh AU)
‘soph cnt ee, 864
Pats por (Uns, 276)
VIPERIDAE Bot.
Dao rast (tow € Noter, 197)
Dasara rs (Sho & Node,
Sener ben (nas 759)
rer atin come Can & Sorta, 19
chs rimes (1801)
Tec carne carina Seed, 101)
cho carne scare Stee, 869
leas aaa (Cis, 1869)
ne pme Mero 18204
Times macrotis Dede, 142
Preset seran Cat, 19)
Op mantle Get, 1863)
gi monta rena Cl, 186)
Pree emt (as, 1835)
orp ot ener (Get 15S)
rires malas Gea, 185)
Same is Faia
Land at
porn
Kate
Procite etre
Era
cc
Hot soni
nl comete
pin abc
Hap acc
pi ras man
dh pie
Hh mater
np coses
Hpbi ctas
Naan Si Fann
Lens ara
A oe
Meme ers
Maroc oes
Peta plates
pars rests
pera een
ha can
Aaron neon
cc pie
Theres waco
Ter me
Troon mince
Li m Frankel ot iin ya Ser ren en aq
Common name
Comino Sas Kit
Yes Se et
Clavo Amplis Ses Sake
er Sn se
Vienne sea Ste
ook ou eas?
Bank Ses Sake
Black tended Ses Sent
ele Ses Sak
Anal] So Sue Blo ad
Seance
Ture Se Seat
engl Sa Sake Clica Neos
ied Se Sake |
Cost Bana Ses Ske
‘rte en Sale
erin Cf Sex Sane
oy lf ea Soni
Boney Bod nee Se Sake
als Se Seep Sev Sake
Muy bl Se Ske
end eu Sa
‘Cen ae
Short ca Sa
Lodel Sí Su Sue Sn
sake
(Cs Sia eal Sa Sehe à
‘Back & Yellow Se Sent
ell Vise
Tan Ress Vier
Levine Vi
Sov sled Viet
Sse Ind Sessa Vip
Secrets Sealed Viger
mala Pt per
Hano dosed Pig
Lagos Pi Viet
Pro ane ir
Nowra Peer
Were oie Pi
Pe
Jere Bi Vor
aber it Ver
INTRODUCTION TO SNAKES COVERED IN THIS BOOK
A 2 NON-VENOMOUS SNAKES
a: 3
23 3 Worm Snakes (pp. 46-53)
A E Be Ey ! Geners: Typhlogs, Kanphopphiers, Oryporyphlops
sell PRO a3 i Y ‘Also called blind snakes, these are very small,
HE EBEN 8: slow, nocturnal hurmowers wäh tiny eyes, short
ETES 2855 ‘ails, and smooth shiny scales, Usually brown with
pags 553 ESE no pattern. Found under sucks and lng, in termite
EEEEaRE E 5 | mounds and ant nests, worm sakes feed on insects
a = a a, 2 = (largely ants and termites), their eggs, larvae and
at z pupae, Females are larger than males; all seem #0
m. E say layers and one species is parthenogeretic,
datée ue the females producing fertile eggs without the help
2838 E ees seas ofa male. Totally harmless. Will defecate and poke
Foi 3935 hia in defo thal
7 sE gE
ESEEGEERE EE Shieldtail Snakes (pp. 54-75)
SS DE Genera: Melamophidium, Tereirurus, Brachyuphidium, Plectruras, Uropeltis
line Small, slow, mainly nocnumal burning ses
aS dd with small eyes, blunt tails, shiny iridesceat scales.
often with a bright yellow or red underside, Found
3 under rocks end logs and in compost; feed on
& ‘earthworms and insect larva. Most species ae hill
á snakes restricted to the Western Ghats, though at
= least one species is found in the Fastem Ghats es
E 2 far north as Orissa and in Machys Pradesh, Rarely
ES Al bite, may poke with tail and defecate in defense
SÉ ‘when handled, Most live bearers, some are taought
El E to tay eggs. Females probably larger than males.
Da 7
E 53 en Sunbeam Snakes (pp. 76-77)
à tai debas Genus: Xenopelts
2 eg’ SE 3 Highly iridescen,elaivelystoutbodied,noctarnal
El ES ge 2 barrowers thet feed on amphibians, snakes, ground
E fet ES E nesting birds and rodents. Tay eges. Within India,
E RE] 553 & only found on tae Nicobar Islands
5 aa aeales
E B pees
2 E PIES 3
5 E EEES 3
3 E TS 3
Ela
sus ESBRES 28
$88 ERSERE 4
A 2 NON-VENOMOUS SNAKES
a: 3
23 3 Worm Snakes (pp. 46-53)
A E Be Ey ! Geners: Typhlogs, Kanphopphiers, Oryporyphlops
sell PRO a3 i Y ‘Also called blind snakes, these are very small,
HE EBEN 8: slow, nocturnal hurmowers wäh tiny eyes, short
ETES 2855 ‘ails, and smooth shiny scales, Usually brown with
pags 553 ESE no pattern. Found under sucks and lng, in termite
EEEEaRE E 5 | mounds and ant nests, worm sakes feed on insects
a = a a, 2 = (largely ants and termites), their eggs, larvae and
at z pupae, Females are larger than males; all seem #0
m. E say layers and one species is parthenogeretic,
datée ue the females producing fertile eggs without the help
2838 E ees seas ofa male. Totally harmless. Will defecate and poke
Foi 3935 hia in defo thal
7 sE gE
ESEEGEERE EE Shieldtail Snakes (pp. 54-75)
SS DE Genera: Melamophidium, Tereirurus, Brachyuphidium, Plectruras, Uropeltis
line Small, slow, mainly nocnumal burning ses
aS dd with small eyes, blunt tails, shiny iridesceat scales.
often with a bright yellow or red underside, Found
3 under rocks end logs and in compost; feed on
& ‘earthworms and insect larva. Most species ae hill
á snakes restricted to the Western Ghats, though at
= least one species is found in the Fastem Ghats es
E 2 far north as Orissa and in Machys Pradesh, Rarely
ES Al bite, may poke with tail and defecate in defense
SÉ ‘when handled, Most live bearers, some are taought
El E to tay eggs. Females probably larger than males.
Da 7
E 53 en Sunbeam Snakes (pp. 76-77)
à tai debas Genus: Xenopelts
2 eg’ SE 3 Highly iridescen,elaivelystoutbodied,noctarnal
El ES ge 2 barrowers thet feed on amphibians, snakes, ground
E fet ES E nesting birds and rodents. Tay eges. Within India,
E RE] 553 & only found on tae Nicobar Islands
5 aa aeales
E B pees
2 E PIES 3
5 E EEES 3
3 E TS 3
Ela
sus ESBRES 28
$88 ERSERE 4
Pythons (pp. 78-83)
Genus: Python
Sand Boas (pp. 84-93)
Genera: Gongylophis, Eryax
Snail-eaters (pp. 94-95)
Genus: Parcas
Ventral view of heads (after Smith, 1943)
Pythons are very large, slow, mainly nocamal
‘shakes which climb and swim well. Constrctors,
‘hey feed mainly on mammals and birds, sometimes.
replies and amphibians. Pythons have long been
killed for their skins and are today common in on y
a few parts of India. Of variable disposition, the
Indian Rock Python is usually milder mannered
than the Reticulated Python. Roth can be tamed
with gentie handling but the bite om a large one
: Egg layers. Females are
Bp larger than males,
Also called earth snakes, sand boas are slow,
stocky, medium-sized burowers which are
nocturnal and live in any kind of soil, rat burrows
and termite mounds. Powerfol constrictors, th
feed on amphibians, reptiles, rodeats and birds
which they catch by ambush. Distantly related to
the boa constrictors of the Americas. The Common
and Boa is a snappy srake that usually bites in self
defence when handled, Whitaker's Boa and the Red
Sand Boa have an even disposition and rarely bite
Live bearers, Females larger than males.
Snail-caters are characterized by che lack of a
metal groove on tae middle of the throat. Small,
slow, slende: nocturnal snakes. Feed on snails and
shugs. Some spec shoreal, others are
terrestrial. Egg layer
34
File Snakes (pp. 96-97)
Genus: Acrochordus
Trinket Snakes (pp. 98-123)
Genera: Liaphe, Gonyusoma, Cuelogmathus, Orthriophis, Luprepiophis
Medium 10 large, relatively slow snakes which
Rat Snakes (pp.12
Genus: Mayas
Racers (pp. 134-145)
Genera: Coluber: Argyrogena
Siow, sluggish, brackish water snakcx. The stout
body is covered by loose, rough skin thar feels
like sandpaper. Sometimes called wart snakes or
elephant trunk snakes. File snakes feed on fish ‘ike
gobies. Live bearers. Femsles luryer than males.
clim> well, trinket snakes are named for their
brilliant appearance. These are constrictors which
prey on rodents and birds, While some may put on
a dramatic open-mouthed display, they calm down
with gente hendling. Fgg leyers. Vemales are
larger than males.
Large, fast, terestial snakes, ative by day, which
climb well, The Indian Rat Snake is one of India's
most common and familiar snakes. Rat snakes
feed on rats, mice, frogs, toads, bids, lézards, and
snakes. Excitable and likely w bite when picked
up, but will calm down with gentle handling, Egg
layers, Males larger thas: females.
J Medium-sized, fast, terrestrial snakes, active by
day. Young eat inscets and frogs, adults prey où
ice and lizards. Nervous snakes, which will bite
when picked up. Some have toxic saliva whieh
can cause swelling and pain but no serious bites
reported. Eux layers. Male and female of the
Handed Racer are of the same size; in the olhers,
the male is larger:
Genus: Python
Sand Boas (pp. 84-93)
Genera: Gongylophis, Eryax
Snail-eaters (pp. 94-95)
Genus: Parcas
Ventral view of heads (after Smith, 1943)
Pythons are very large, slow, mainly nocamal
‘shakes which climb and swim well. Constrctors,
‘hey feed mainly on mammals and birds, sometimes.
replies and amphibians. Pythons have long been
killed for their skins and are today common in on y
a few parts of India. Of variable disposition, the
Indian Rock Python is usually milder mannered
than the Reticulated Python. Roth can be tamed
with gentie handling but the bite om a large one
: Egg layers. Females are
Bp larger than males,
Also called earth snakes, sand boas are slow,
stocky, medium-sized burowers which are
nocturnal and live in any kind of soil, rat burrows
and termite mounds. Powerfol constrictors, th
feed on amphibians, reptiles, rodeats and birds
which they catch by ambush. Distantly related to
the boa constrictors of the Americas. The Common
and Boa is a snappy srake that usually bites in self
defence when handled, Whitaker's Boa and the Red
Sand Boa have an even disposition and rarely bite
Live bearers, Females larger than males.
Snail-caters are characterized by che lack of a
metal groove on tae middle of the throat. Small,
slow, slende: nocturnal snakes. Feed on snails and
shugs. Some spec shoreal, others are
terrestrial. Egg layer
34
File Snakes (pp. 96-97)
Genus: Acrochordus
Trinket Snakes (pp. 98-123)
Genera: Liaphe, Gonyusoma, Cuelogmathus, Orthriophis, Luprepiophis
Medium 10 large, relatively slow snakes which
Rat Snakes (pp.12
Genus: Mayas
Racers (pp. 134-145)
Genera: Coluber: Argyrogena
Siow, sluggish, brackish water snakcx. The stout
body is covered by loose, rough skin thar feels
like sandpaper. Sometimes called wart snakes or
elephant trunk snakes. File snakes feed on fish ‘ike
gobies. Live bearers. Femsles luryer than males.
clim> well, trinket snakes are named for their
brilliant appearance. These are constrictors which
prey on rodents and birds, While some may put on
a dramatic open-mouthed display, they calm down
with gente hendling. Fgg leyers. Vemales are
larger than males.
Large, fast, terestial snakes, ative by day, which
climb well, The Indian Rat Snake is one of India's
most common and familiar snakes. Rat snakes
feed on rats, mice, frogs, toads, bids, lézards, and
snakes. Excitable and likely w bite when picked
up, but will calm down with gentle handling, Egg
layers, Males larger thas: females.
J Medium-sized, fast, terrestrial snakes, active by
day. Young eat inscets and frogs, adults prey où
ice and lizards. Nervous snakes, which will bite
when picked up. Some have toxic saliva whieh
can cause swelling and pain but no serious bites
reported. Eux layers. Male and female of the
Handed Racer are of the same size; in the olhers,
the male is larger:
Royal Suakes (pp. 146-151)
Gen: Salerno
sy Medium to large, fest, verrestrial snakes which
climb well, Mostly noctumal, sometimes seen by
day. Royal snakes feed on small rodents, birds and
lizards which they either constrict, or pin down
with u body coil. They are likely to hiss loudly
wen first caught, and nay bite. Egg layers.
Stripe necked Suakes (pp. 152-155)
Genus: Liopel
Small to medium-sized, slender-bodied, terrestrial
snakes, Usually found in rain Zorests or hilly areas.
Natural history lergely unknown. Possibly active
by day and night, Diet of stripe-necked snakes
found in India is unknown. At least two species in
Bomeo feed on spiders, Fag layer.
Awheaded Snakes (pp. 154-155)
Genus: Lyrorhynehus
5 Smal, slow snakes tha are found in andy or gravel
deserts, The nostril is reduced to a mov sli
helwecn two scales an adapation for burrowing
in the sand, Noctumal, Consuiciors, they feed on
geckos and other lizrds, mice and arthropods, Egg
layers
Indian Smooth Snake (pp.156-159)
Genus: Coronella
Medium-sized, snakes which resemble adul:
Fianded Rucers. (Adult Banded Racers are usually
unbanded). They are named für their smooth
scales, This snake has a very limited distribution
mainly in arid, rocky parts of Maharesbtra, Mostly
terrestrial, but can climib weil. They feed on geckos
Which they constrict. Egg layers.
36
Kukri Snakes (pp. 160-173)
Ger
Small, slow, mainly nocturnal snakes which can
| burrow into sand or loose soil. Kukri shes are
named for their Tamened, curved, sharp teeth, a
specialization for slicing into reptile eggs. Besides
reptile eg, they feed on shiaks, geckos, aad mie
| which they way kill by consticron. While some
| Kukrs are mild-mannered, otaers will flatten out
erlike and strike vigorously ia defense. Exg
layers. In some species males are larger. in here
females grow larger
Browzehack Tree Snakes (pp. 17
(Genus: Dendrelaphis
ized, slender, very fast, diurnal tree
snakes thal are named for the bronze-colored bac
that most species have. leed oa lizards, ttogs, and
‘occasionally small birds. Nervous ia dispositio
y to thrash shout rather than hito when
handled. Ligg layers. Vemales larger than males.
Flying Snakes (pp 188-191)
sopelea
Medinamsized, slenden, active, diumal (re
| bo mies hat actly pide (ether tan iy
% are excellent climoers. Rear fanged with mildly
| EM oxic saliva; no symptoms repone in humans
BA Conscietors that fed on geckos, rodents, bas,
| | Birds and occesionall ral snakes. Ug layers,
Wot Snakes (pp. 192-207)
| Gemas: ¿gcodon
nall,slow=noving, nocturnal snakes with a gres
| ability to climb, Wolf snekes are named for their
| > enlarged upper front teeth, ideal for gripping their
> main pres - geckos, Wolf shakes are ofen misaken
| für kraits fut a careful look will reveal many
| differences. Wolf snakes are snappy if picked up.
Egg layers. Females larger than males,
Gen: Salerno
sy Medium to large, fest, verrestrial snakes which
climb well, Mostly noctumal, sometimes seen by
day. Royal snakes feed on small rodents, birds and
lizards which they either constrict, or pin down
with u body coil. They are likely to hiss loudly
wen first caught, and nay bite. Egg layers.
Stripe necked Suakes (pp. 152-155)
Genus: Liopel
Small to medium-sized, slender-bodied, terrestrial
snakes, Usually found in rain Zorests or hilly areas.
Natural history lergely unknown. Possibly active
by day and night, Diet of stripe-necked snakes
found in India is unknown. At least two species in
Bomeo feed on spiders, Fag layer.
Awheaded Snakes (pp. 154-155)
Genus: Lyrorhynehus
5 Smal, slow snakes tha are found in andy or gravel
deserts, The nostril is reduced to a mov sli
helwecn two scales an adapation for burrowing
in the sand, Noctumal, Consuiciors, they feed on
geckos and other lizrds, mice and arthropods, Egg
layers
Indian Smooth Snake (pp.156-159)
Genus: Coronella
Medium-sized, snakes which resemble adul:
Fianded Rucers. (Adult Banded Racers are usually
unbanded). They are named für their smooth
scales, This snake has a very limited distribution
mainly in arid, rocky parts of Maharesbtra, Mostly
terrestrial, but can climib weil. They feed on geckos
Which they constrict. Egg layers.
36
Kukri Snakes (pp. 160-173)
Ger
Small, slow, mainly nocturnal snakes which can
| burrow into sand or loose soil. Kukri shes are
named for their Tamened, curved, sharp teeth, a
specialization for slicing into reptile eggs. Besides
reptile eg, they feed on shiaks, geckos, aad mie
| which they way kill by consticron. While some
| Kukrs are mild-mannered, otaers will flatten out
erlike and strike vigorously ia defense. Exg
layers. In some species males are larger. in here
females grow larger
Browzehack Tree Snakes (pp. 17
(Genus: Dendrelaphis
ized, slender, very fast, diurnal tree
snakes thal are named for the bronze-colored bac
that most species have. leed oa lizards, ttogs, and
‘occasionally small birds. Nervous ia dispositio
y to thrash shout rather than hito when
handled. Ligg layers. Vemales larger than males.
Flying Snakes (pp 188-191)
sopelea
Medinamsized, slenden, active, diumal (re
| bo mies hat actly pide (ether tan iy
% are excellent climoers. Rear fanged with mildly
| EM oxic saliva; no symptoms repone in humans
BA Conscietors that fed on geckos, rodents, bas,
| | Birds and occesionall ral snakes. Ug layers,
Wot Snakes (pp. 192-207)
| Gemas: ¿gcodon
nall,slow=noving, nocturnal snakes with a gres
| ability to climb, Wolf snekes are named for their
| > enlarged upper front teeth, ideal for gripping their
> main pres - geckos, Wolf shakes are ofen misaken
| für kraits fut a careful look will reveal many
| differences. Wolf snakes are snappy if picked up.
Egg layers. Females larger than males,
Bridal Snakes (pp. 208-209)
Genus: Pryocalamı
Oriental Slender Snakes (pp. 262-263)
Genus: Trachischium
Small, slow-moving, nocturnal seakes which elim
vell and resemble wolf snakes or rats. or food
D habits are poorly known. There is a record of one
that ed eaten a skink. Lgg layers.
Blac nakes (pp. 210-213)
Genus: Sidynopi
‘Small, slender, diurnal, terrestrial snakes named
for their blackidarker colored heads. Also
called many-toothed snakes (or polydonts) om
account of the numerous teeth in the upper jaw:
Dumésil’s Black-eaded Snake bears a remarkable
resemblance to the venomous Slender Coral Snake.
‚ded snakes feed on skinks, snakes. frogs
and insects. Fyg layers
Keelbacks and False Cobras (pp. 214-261)
Genera: Aniphiesmna, Xenochrophis, Macropisthadon, Atretium, Pseudoxenodon,
Rhabdophis
il to medium-sized noctumaldiurnal snakes,
terrestrial and/or equatic, this large group is named
for the distinct fold or kee! on most dorsal scales.
Some species have enlarged, Zang-like teeth in
the back of the upper jew fo puncture toads and
frogs which inflate to prevent being swallowed.
While some, like the Striped Keelback and Gree:
Keclback are slow and gentle, most of the true
water snakes are fast and feisty biters in defense.
‘The False Cobra will raise a hood when alarmed
and can easily be mistaken for a venomous cobra.
However, this keulback has an inverted chevron
on the hood instead of a spectacled- or monoeled-
mark. Egg layers. Females larger than males.
Forest Snakes (pp. 264-267)
Genus: Riabdops
Small, slow, slender, iridescent, terrestrial snalses
that are poorly Known. Some species are active in
the early morning and evening. Malos have keeled
upper body scales near the tail base/anal region.
his is an important taxomomie character. Egg
Small 10 medium-sized, slow, terrestrial forest
snakes that are usually found close to steams.
Natural history largely unknows. Recent
observations indicate (hat one species — the Olive
Forest Snake may be semi-aquatic, Nocturnal
eed on worms and slugs.
Iridescent Snake (pp. 268-271)
Genus: Alita
nded Snakes (pp.
Genus: Xylophis
E
Cat Snakes (pp.
Genus: Boiga
Small, slow, slender, iridescent, terrestrial snakes
that ure poorly known, A forest species thar spends
part of its time underground. Head, small eyes and
smooth, alossy scales are adapations for burrowing,
Egg layers
en found in
evergreen forests. Belly scales almost as broad as.
belly. Peed on earthworms.
Medium to large, slow, nocturna! snakes, named
for their large eyes with catlike pupils. Feed
on lizacds, frogs and birds, paralyzing prey with
venom too mild to have much effect on humans, Of
variable temperament, most will demonstrate with
open mouth when alarmed and bite (handle. Fe
layers. Females larger than males,
39
Genus: Pryocalamı
Oriental Slender Snakes (pp. 262-263)
Genus: Trachischium
Small, slow-moving, nocturnal seakes which elim
vell and resemble wolf snakes or rats. or food
D habits are poorly known. There is a record of one
that ed eaten a skink. Lgg layers.
Blac nakes (pp. 210-213)
Genus: Sidynopi
‘Small, slender, diurnal, terrestrial snakes named
for their blackidarker colored heads. Also
called many-toothed snakes (or polydonts) om
account of the numerous teeth in the upper jaw:
Dumésil’s Black-eaded Snake bears a remarkable
resemblance to the venomous Slender Coral Snake.
‚ded snakes feed on skinks, snakes. frogs
and insects. Fyg layers
Keelbacks and False Cobras (pp. 214-261)
Genera: Aniphiesmna, Xenochrophis, Macropisthadon, Atretium, Pseudoxenodon,
Rhabdophis
il to medium-sized noctumaldiurnal snakes,
terrestrial and/or equatic, this large group is named
for the distinct fold or kee! on most dorsal scales.
Some species have enlarged, Zang-like teeth in
the back of the upper jew fo puncture toads and
frogs which inflate to prevent being swallowed.
While some, like the Striped Keelback and Gree:
Keclback are slow and gentle, most of the true
water snakes are fast and feisty biters in defense.
‘The False Cobra will raise a hood when alarmed
and can easily be mistaken for a venomous cobra.
However, this keulback has an inverted chevron
on the hood instead of a spectacled- or monoeled-
mark. Egg layers. Females larger than males.
Forest Snakes (pp. 264-267)
Genus: Riabdops
Small, slow, slender, iridescent, terrestrial snalses
that are poorly Known. Some species are active in
the early morning and evening. Malos have keeled
upper body scales near the tail base/anal region.
his is an important taxomomie character. Egg
Small 10 medium-sized, slow, terrestrial forest
snakes that are usually found close to steams.
Natural history largely unknows. Recent
observations indicate (hat one species — the Olive
Forest Snake may be semi-aquatic, Nocturnal
eed on worms and slugs.
Iridescent Snake (pp. 268-271)
Genus: Alita
nded Snakes (pp.
Genus: Xylophis
E
Cat Snakes (pp.
Genus: Boiga
Small, slow, slender, iridescent, terrestrial snakes
that ure poorly known, A forest species thar spends
part of its time underground. Head, small eyes and
smooth, alossy scales are adapations for burrowing,
Egg layers
en found in
evergreen forests. Belly scales almost as broad as.
belly. Peed on earthworms.
Medium to large, slow, nocturna! snakes, named
for their large eyes with catlike pupils. Feed
on lizacds, frogs and birds, paralyzing prey with
venom too mild to have much effect on humans, Of
variable temperament, most will demonstrate with
open mouth when alarmed and bite (handle. Fe
layers. Females larger than males,
39
‘Sand Snakes (pp. 308-317)
Genus: Psammophis
Mack Vipers (pp. 318-321)
Genus: Psammodynastes
Vine Snakes (pp. 322:
Genus: Ahaetulla
‘Medium-sized, fast, terrestrial snakes, active by
day, Good climbers, they eat frogs, lizards and
small rodents, While not inclined to bite, their
mildly toxic saliva can cause pain, «welling and
bleeding. Egg layers. Sexes same size.
Small to medumesized snakes, Mostly terrestrial,
often seen in low bushes. Nocturnal, sometimes
seen by day. Despite its name, the Mock Viper
has greatly enlarged, grooved rear fangs and
toxic saliva. Should e treated with caution. IT
confronted. they will srike flercely. They feed on
skinks, geckos and sometimes srall snakes. Live
bearers, Females larger than males.
Medium-sized to large, slow, slender, diumal
snakes with pointed snouts. Rear-fanged with
a mildly toxic venora capable of paralyzing the
ids, lizards and frogs they feed on, Vine snakes
have eyes with horizontally elliptical pupils acd
binocular vision. Their eyes focus by changing the
shape of the lens. This makes them adept hunte-s of
cryptic lizards and frogs. Vine snakes are wrongy
believed to be “eye peckers” and needlessly killed,
They are somerimes mistaken for pit vipers which
have eyes with vertical pupils. Will bite :f handled
Live bearers. Females larger than males.
‘Smooth-sealed Water Snakes (pp. 334-339)
Genus: Enbparis
Small to medium-sized, swift water snakes, Active
by day and night. Feed on fish and frous. Have
mildly toxic seliva, Most will bite readily when
handled, Live bearers, Female larger than males.
Brackish Water Snakes (pp. 340-351)
Genera: Cerberus, Gerarda, Fordonia, Cantoria
VENOMOUS SNAKES
Kraits (pp. 352-363)
Genus: Bungarus
Coral Snakes (pp. 364-371)
By Medium-sized, slow, stocky water snakes, Usually
active by night, Feed on fish, eels, crahs and
Shrimp, Have mildly toxic venom to subdue their
prey. Differ in temperament, all may bite when
first caught but generally galm dowa with gentle
handling, Live bearers, Female larger than males.
Medium to large nocturnal snakes, the name keit
probably comes from the Hindi word for blackness.
Slow, but capable ofhursts of speed. Kraits feed on.
other snakes, lizards and mice, killing them with
the most toxic venom of any Indian land suakes.
Of variable temperament, the Banded Krait is mild-
mannered “or example, while the Commer. Krait
‘causes many human fatalities. Egg layers, Males
larger than females.
Genera: Cailiophis, Siaomicrurus
Small to medium, slow, slender, nocturnal snakes
with brightly colored undersides giving them
their came. Coral snakes feed on insccts, skinks,
geckos, other snakes and mice. ‘They subdue
prey with their venom about which very litle is
known. Coral snakes appear reluctant to bite but
o chances should be taken: in Thailand human
fatalities from coral snake bite have been reported.
Egg layers. Sexes similar in size
Genus: Psammophis
Mack Vipers (pp. 318-321)
Genus: Psammodynastes
Vine Snakes (pp. 322:
Genus: Ahaetulla
‘Medium-sized, fast, terrestrial snakes, active by
day, Good climbers, they eat frogs, lizards and
small rodents, While not inclined to bite, their
mildly toxic saliva can cause pain, «welling and
bleeding. Egg layers. Sexes same size.
Small to medumesized snakes, Mostly terrestrial,
often seen in low bushes. Nocturnal, sometimes
seen by day. Despite its name, the Mock Viper
has greatly enlarged, grooved rear fangs and
toxic saliva. Should e treated with caution. IT
confronted. they will srike flercely. They feed on
skinks, geckos and sometimes srall snakes. Live
bearers, Females larger than males.
Medium-sized to large, slow, slender, diumal
snakes with pointed snouts. Rear-fanged with
a mildly toxic venora capable of paralyzing the
ids, lizards and frogs they feed on, Vine snakes
have eyes with horizontally elliptical pupils acd
binocular vision. Their eyes focus by changing the
shape of the lens. This makes them adept hunte-s of
cryptic lizards and frogs. Vine snakes are wrongy
believed to be “eye peckers” and needlessly killed,
They are somerimes mistaken for pit vipers which
have eyes with vertical pupils. Will bite :f handled
Live bearers. Females larger than males.
‘Smooth-sealed Water Snakes (pp. 334-339)
Genus: Enbparis
Small to medium-sized, swift water snakes, Active
by day and night. Feed on fish and frous. Have
mildly toxic seliva, Most will bite readily when
handled, Live bearers, Female larger than males.
Brackish Water Snakes (pp. 340-351)
Genera: Cerberus, Gerarda, Fordonia, Cantoria
VENOMOUS SNAKES
Kraits (pp. 352-363)
Genus: Bungarus
Coral Snakes (pp. 364-371)
By Medium-sized, slow, stocky water snakes, Usually
active by night, Feed on fish, eels, crahs and
Shrimp, Have mildly toxic venom to subdue their
prey. Differ in temperament, all may bite when
first caught but generally galm dowa with gentle
handling, Live bearers, Female larger than males.
Medium to large nocturnal snakes, the name keit
probably comes from the Hindi word for blackness.
Slow, but capable ofhursts of speed. Kraits feed on.
other snakes, lizards and mice, killing them with
the most toxic venom of any Indian land suakes.
Of variable temperament, the Banded Krait is mild-
mannered “or example, while the Commer. Krait
‘causes many human fatalities. Egg layers, Males
larger than females.
Genera: Cailiophis, Siaomicrurus
Small to medium, slow, slender, nocturnal snakes
with brightly colored undersides giving them
their came. Coral snakes feed on insccts, skinks,
geckos, other snakes and mice. ‘They subdue
prey with their venom about which very litle is
known. Coral snakes appear reluctant to bite but
o chances should be taken: in Thailand human
fatalities from coral snake bite have been reported.
Egg layers. Sexes similar in size
Cobras (pp. 372-383)
Genus: Naja
King Cobra (pp. 384-3
Genus: Ophtophagus
Sea Snakes (pp. 386-403)
CD 7 code
Large, switt, noctemal/diumal snakes with the
y to rear up and spread a dramatic hood. Tae
name cobra is derived from the Portuguese “Cobra
de capello” ~ snake with a 200d, Cobras feed on
frogs, toads, rats, mice end occasionally suakes.
Sem (emperament, cobras are common and ca
large number of fatalities wi
Egg layers. Males larger than fees.
that when alarmed, spread a hood considerably
narrower than thal ofthe Spectucled und Moaveled
as. They climb and swim well, King cobras
feed on snakes and monitor lizards. The female
west of dried leaves — the only snake
known to do so. Fag layers. Males larger than
females,
Genera: Laticauda, Kerila,Exiurina, Hydrophis,
Lapems, Astrotia, Pelemis
À Medium to large paddle-utlel, noctumaliöiumal
snakes, Last swimmers. most are helpless on land
Feed on fish, eels and fish eggs. They produce
very wxie venom Le subdue prey; sea snakes
are of variable temperament but are generally
even-tempeced and cause few bites or fataities.
Ansvanon is ma at Commonvealh Serum Lab,
À to lay eggs, the rest are live bearers and never
leave the sea, Some sea snakes will venture 50 km
(50 miles) upriver. Fervales larger than mates.
Vipers (op. 404-413)
Genera: Pahora, Macrovipera, Fehtr
Small to large noctumaVdiurnal snakes which feed
on zodents, birés and (in the case ofthe Sexv-scaled
Viper — enhropods). OF variable temperament,
slow-moving but capable of bursts of speed. All
pers cen strike fast, have long fangs and very
toxic venom. Russell's Viper is thought to caus
more human Zatalites than even the cobras. Live
bearers. Males larger in Russel’s and Levantine
x; females larger in Scw-scaled Vipe:
Pit Vipers (po. 414-469)
Genera: Gloydius, Fhpmale, Trimeresurus, Protbuihrops, Ovophis
Smell to medium-sized, slow, noctumalidhumal
suekes found mainly in the Western Ghats and
the Noriaeast. The name is derived from the heat
ve “pt” herween esch nostril and eye. Feed
on tiogs, lizards, rodents and birds. Venom not as
toxic as viper venom, but all stike fast and some
species have caused rare human futsites. Live
bearers (all but two species in the Northeast.
Females larger than males.
cha Pote a
MEDO PIT VIPER Trieresurus medoensis
Genus: Naja
King Cobra (pp. 384-3
Genus: Ophtophagus
Sea Snakes (pp. 386-403)
CD 7 code
Large, switt, noctemal/diumal snakes with the
y to rear up and spread a dramatic hood. Tae
name cobra is derived from the Portuguese “Cobra
de capello” ~ snake with a 200d, Cobras feed on
frogs, toads, rats, mice end occasionally suakes.
Sem (emperament, cobras are common and ca
large number of fatalities wi
Egg layers. Males larger than fees.
that when alarmed, spread a hood considerably
narrower than thal ofthe Spectucled und Moaveled
as. They climb and swim well, King cobras
feed on snakes and monitor lizards. The female
west of dried leaves — the only snake
known to do so. Fag layers. Males larger than
females,
Genera: Laticauda, Kerila,Exiurina, Hydrophis,
Lapems, Astrotia, Pelemis
À Medium to large paddle-utlel, noctumaliöiumal
snakes, Last swimmers. most are helpless on land
Feed on fish, eels and fish eggs. They produce
very wxie venom Le subdue prey; sea snakes
are of variable temperament but are generally
even-tempeced and cause few bites or fataities.
Ansvanon is ma at Commonvealh Serum Lab,
À to lay eggs, the rest are live bearers and never
leave the sea, Some sea snakes will venture 50 km
(50 miles) upriver. Fervales larger than mates.
Vipers (op. 404-413)
Genera: Pahora, Macrovipera, Fehtr
Small to large noctumaVdiurnal snakes which feed
on zodents, birés and (in the case ofthe Sexv-scaled
Viper — enhropods). OF variable temperament,
slow-moving but capable of bursts of speed. All
pers cen strike fast, have long fangs and very
toxic venom. Russell's Viper is thought to caus
more human Zatalites than even the cobras. Live
bearers. Males larger in Russel’s and Levantine
x; females larger in Scw-scaled Vipe:
Pit Vipers (po. 414-469)
Genera: Gloydius, Fhpmale, Trimeresurus, Protbuihrops, Ovophis
Smell to medium-sized, slow, noctumalidhumal
suekes found mainly in the Western Ghats and
the Noriaeast. The name is derived from the heat
ve “pt” herween esch nostril and eye. Feed
on tiogs, lizards, rodents and birds. Venom not as
toxic as viper venom, but all stike fast and some
species have caused rare human futsites. Live
bearers (all but two species in the Northeast.
Females larger than males.
cha Pote a
MEDO PIT VIPER Trieresurus medoensis
METHODS OF COUNTING BODY SCALES
Artica monica
SUBCAUDAL SCALES
toca mat
DIVIDED PARED
SUBCALDAIS
Beige olaa
20 posTOCULAR
5 SUMALA VA
FR FRONTAL AL ANSBRIONTSIMOKAL
Pr POSEIMOR TESPORA
Artica monica
SUBCAUDAL SCALES
toca mat
DIVIDED PARED
SUBCALDAIS
Beige olaa
20 posTOCULAR
5 SUMALA VA
FR FRONTAL AL ANSBRIONTSIMOKAL
Pr POSEIMOR TESPORA
Brahminy Worm Snake
SON VENOMOUS, COMMON
Rampholyphlops braminus
Description
Head same width as body, snour round. Tiny scale-covered eye visible as black dor.
Skort, blunt til ends in a tiny spine. Glossy body, almost uniform reddish-brown or
istebrown above lighier below. Oflen miscaken for a wor, but a close look
will veal the scales, eyes and tiny tongue. Only upper jaw (maxilla) has teeth,
Sealation (after Smith)
Scales in 20 rows around the body, smooth; 290-320 transverse rows of scales, Total
length of snake 30-45 times diameter of body. Belly scales not broader than adjacent
body scales,
Natural History/ Behavior
Spen S is life underground. Lisely to be seen under stones, flowerpots, or
while digging in slightly damp cath. Also found in termite mounds and encounteced
in bathzooms and houses. Seen above ground ade: rains. Feeds on ants, other small
insects and their larvae. When provoked or picked up, will write and defecate,
One of the few parhenogenie snakes known, No males have ever been found. AS
the females can lay fertile eggs without needing o mate, his species has spread v
Zowerpots almost all over the world, even to “snakeless” islands like Lakshadweep,
New Zealand and Hawaii. Frank Wall writes that in Assam the Brahminy Worm
Snake lays 2-7 eggs “like grains of boiled rice” in June.
Distribution
‘The whole of South Asia, Introduced worldwide.
kes
Other worm saakes.
yphlops braminus
SON VENOMOUS, COMMON
Brahminy Worm $
Eg AS A
SON VENOMOUS, COMMON
Rampholyphlops braminus
Description
Head same width as body, snour round. Tiny scale-covered eye visible as black dor.
Skort, blunt til ends in a tiny spine. Glossy body, almost uniform reddish-brown or
istebrown above lighier below. Oflen miscaken for a wor, but a close look
will veal the scales, eyes and tiny tongue. Only upper jaw (maxilla) has teeth,
Sealation (after Smith)
Scales in 20 rows around the body, smooth; 290-320 transverse rows of scales, Total
length of snake 30-45 times diameter of body. Belly scales not broader than adjacent
body scales,
Natural History/ Behavior
Spen S is life underground. Lisely to be seen under stones, flowerpots, or
while digging in slightly damp cath. Also found in termite mounds and encounteced
in bathzooms and houses. Seen above ground ade: rains. Feeds on ants, other small
insects and their larvae. When provoked or picked up, will write and defecate,
One of the few parhenogenie snakes known, No males have ever been found. AS
the females can lay fertile eggs without needing o mate, his species has spread v
Zowerpots almost all over the world, even to “snakeless” islands like Lakshadweep,
New Zealand and Hawaii. Frank Wall writes that in Assam the Brahminy Worm
Snake lays 2-7 eggs “like grains of boiled rice” in June.
Distribution
‘The whole of South Asia, Introduced worldwide.
kes
Other worm saakes.
yphlops braminus
SON VENOMOUS, COMMON
Brahminy Worm $
Eg AS A
rd’s Worm Snake yphlops diardit
NON VENOMOUS, LNCOMMON “At hatching 100mm €
Maximum 430mm (17in)
Deseription
‘Though small, one of our largest and taickest worm snakes. Scales small, smooth,
highly polisted, Head rot broader than neck. Snout rounded, strongly projecting:
its tip has a single prominent, upturned scale which is visible om above. Poorly
developed eye visible as tiny dark spot under scales. Very short tal ends in a small
spine. Black or dark brown back; whitish or paler underside. The two colors are not
shacply separated. Only upper jew (maxilla) has te
Sealation (after Smith)
Seales 24-26 (zarely 22) rows around the body, smooth; 260-300 transverse scale
‘ows. Total length of snake 26-32 times diameter of body. Breudih of rostrel 1/2
10 35 that of Head. Rostral often extends to level of eyes. Belly scales not aroader
than adjacent body scales,
Natural History/ Behavior
Lives mostly underground, in Gevaying wood or vegetation, Like all barrowing
snakes, sometimes found oa surface after heavy rains. Can busrow rapicl
A female collected in Jun
(0.2.0.3) long.
Distribution
India: 10 atleast 1525m (S000f) iz western Himalayas up to
Debra Den, eastern Himalayas to Arunachat Pradest West
Look-alikes
Lang udulis may be mistaken for the Red Sanc Boa.
48
asinmum 430mm (1715)
‘At hatching 100mm (
INGOMMON
2
El
El
E
E
E
ES
=
ä
El
=
E
á
5
2
NON VENOMOUS, LNCOMMON “At hatching 100mm €
Maximum 430mm (17in)
Deseription
‘Though small, one of our largest and taickest worm snakes. Scales small, smooth,
highly polisted, Head rot broader than neck. Snout rounded, strongly projecting:
its tip has a single prominent, upturned scale which is visible om above. Poorly
developed eye visible as tiny dark spot under scales. Very short tal ends in a small
spine. Black or dark brown back; whitish or paler underside. The two colors are not
shacply separated. Only upper jew (maxilla) has te
Sealation (after Smith)
Seales 24-26 (zarely 22) rows around the body, smooth; 260-300 transverse scale
‘ows. Total length of snake 26-32 times diameter of body. Breudih of rostrel 1/2
10 35 that of Head. Rostral often extends to level of eyes. Belly scales not aroader
than adjacent body scales,
Natural History/ Behavior
Lives mostly underground, in Gevaying wood or vegetation, Like all barrowing
snakes, sometimes found oa surface after heavy rains. Can busrow rapicl
A female collected in Jun
(0.2.0.3) long.
Distribution
India: 10 atleast 1525m (S000f) iz western Himalayas up to
Debra Den, eastern Himalayas to Arunachat Pradest West
Look-alikes
Lang udulis may be mistaken for the Red Sanc Boa.
48
asinmum 430mm (1715)
‘At hatching 100mm (
INGOMMON
2
El
El
E
E
E
ES
=
ä
El
=
E
á
5
2
ANITA MALHOTRA
Beddome's Worm Snake ‘phiops beddomei
NONVENOMOUS RARE Mi lei)
Description
3
3
Glossy and wormlike. Body covered with tiny, smooth scales. Head not broader à
à
Maximum 101mm (6
ojeets strongly. Eye visible as a email black spot
under scales, Tail tip pointed. Brown back, often with a dark line along the middle
Uncerside paler than back; area around vent sometimes whitish. Has teeth only in
upper jaw.
Scalation (after Smits)
Scales iz 18 rows around body, smooth; 190-200 transverse scale rows. Total
length of snake 20-30 times diameter of body. Breadth of rostral 1/3" head with
Nostrils lateral. Nasals completely divided; posterior nasals touch behind zostra
No subocular; preccular does wot touch anterior nasai. Beily scales rot broader than
adjacent body scales.
Natural History/ Behavior
Bucrower. Found in demp soil. Lays eggs; feeds on worms, ant eggs and larvae.
Distribution
Fndemic to India. Hills of southern Tamil Nadu and central
Kerala, berween 610-1524m (2000-S000f)
Look-alikes
Other worm snakes.
Beddome’s Worin Snake
NON VENOMOUS, RARE
Beddome's Worm Snake ‘phiops beddomei
NONVENOMOUS RARE Mi lei)
Description
3
3
Glossy and wormlike. Body covered with tiny, smooth scales. Head not broader à
à
Maximum 101mm (6
ojeets strongly. Eye visible as a email black spot
under scales, Tail tip pointed. Brown back, often with a dark line along the middle
Uncerside paler than back; area around vent sometimes whitish. Has teeth only in
upper jaw.
Scalation (after Smits)
Scales iz 18 rows around body, smooth; 190-200 transverse scale rows. Total
length of snake 20-30 times diameter of body. Breadth of rostral 1/3" head with
Nostrils lateral. Nasals completely divided; posterior nasals touch behind zostra
No subocular; preccular does wot touch anterior nasai. Beily scales rot broader than
adjacent body scales.
Natural History/ Behavior
Bucrower. Found in demp soil. Lays eggs; feeds on worms, ant eggs and larvae.
Distribution
Fndemic to India. Hills of southern Tamil Nadu and central
Kerala, berween 610-1524m (2000-S000f)
Look-alikes
Other worm snakes.
Beddome’s Worin Snake
NON VENOMOUS, RARE
otyphlops acutus
Non)
Description:
Heed same width as body; snout pointed with lange, hooked beak-like scale.
Nosuils
below the “beak”, Tiny scale-covered eye visible as a back dot. Short tail ends in
a spine, Glossy brows above, distinctly paler below. Only upper jaw (tasitla) has
weh,
E
8
il
3
E
E
$
Senlation (er Smit)
Scales in 24-34 rows around the body, smooth; 450-500 transverse rows 0° scales,
Rostrel very large, beak-liks: projects strongly. Total iempth of snake 40-60 times
diameter of hody. Belly seeles rot broader than adiavent body scales.
Natural History/ Behavior
Poorly known. À strong burrower thal spends most ofits life underground. Hooked
saout and tail is used se lever the body backwards or forwards. Fats worms, soft-
bodied insects and their lurvee.
2 Distribution
Endemic to India. Found south of the Ganges Basin and
72, south of Raastan, Range extends west to Baroda and ease
= 7° to Caleatta, The largest South Asian worm snake.
Look-alikes
Othe: worm snakes.
Shicldtaïls
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Beaked Warm Snake
52
Non)
Description:
Heed same width as body; snout pointed with lange, hooked beak-like scale.
Nosuils
below the “beak”, Tiny scale-covered eye visible as a back dot. Short tail ends in
a spine, Glossy brows above, distinctly paler below. Only upper jaw (tasitla) has
weh,
E
8
il
3
E
E
$
Senlation (er Smit)
Scales in 24-34 rows around the body, smooth; 450-500 transverse rows 0° scales,
Rostrel very large, beak-liks: projects strongly. Total iempth of snake 40-60 times
diameter of hody. Belly seeles rot broader than adiavent body scales.
Natural History/ Behavior
Poorly known. À strong burrower thal spends most ofits life underground. Hooked
saout and tail is used se lever the body backwards or forwards. Fats worms, soft-
bodied insects and their lurvee.
2 Distribution
Endemic to India. Found south of the Ganges Basin and
72, south of Raastan, Range extends west to Baroda and ease
= 7° to Caleatta, The largest South Asian worm snake.
Look-alikes
Othe: worm snakes.
Shicldtaïls
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Beaked Warm Snake
52
Pied belly Shieldtail Melanophidivm punetanım
A e een
NON VENOMOUS, RARE ‘Maximum Sáb
Deser/ption
Stender, cylindrical-hodied amd smuodr-scaled. Head narrower thar neck. Snout
rounded. Eye small Tail very shor, slightly compressed, with two parallel ridges
that ee in to or four small points. Upper body very glossy, extremely iridescent
black or dark purplish-browa. Belly scales, chose under ti. and one or two adjacent
th white edges. Upper scales om tl smooth, In juveniles, tail tip
rows ~ black
without ridges.
ScaLarlon
Sealey la 15 rows, smooth; anal divided; ventrals 180-198; subcaudals 11-
paired: A mental groove. Loreal absent. Eve in tae ocular shield (unlike Catltophis
nigres¢
Natural History/ Behavior
known, Feeds on curthworms. Ll picked up, may coil hindbody tightly around
Poorly.
one's finger.
Distribution
to India. Kuow fiom a few localities in 2
Western Gants of Kerala; Tamil Nadu (Aramalais,
+, Ashambu Hills); Goa (Talewadi) and southern Maharashtre
(Amboli, Sindhudurg distrier) at altitudes of 1200 1500m
(3940-92080),
Lookalikes
Other shieldtils ofthis g
(not featured),
Coral Snake (black forms).
NON VENOMOUS, RARE
A e een
NON VENOMOUS, RARE ‘Maximum Sáb
Deser/ption
Stender, cylindrical-hodied amd smuodr-scaled. Head narrower thar neck. Snout
rounded. Eye small Tail very shor, slightly compressed, with two parallel ridges
that ee in to or four small points. Upper body very glossy, extremely iridescent
black or dark purplish-browa. Belly scales, chose under ti. and one or two adjacent
th white edges. Upper scales om tl smooth, In juveniles, tail tip
rows ~ black
without ridges.
ScaLarlon
Sealey la 15 rows, smooth; anal divided; ventrals 180-198; subcaudals 11-
paired: A mental groove. Loreal absent. Eve in tae ocular shield (unlike Catltophis
nigres¢
Natural History/ Behavior
known, Feeds on curthworms. Ll picked up, may coil hindbody tightly around
Poorly.
one's finger.
Distribution
to India. Kuow fiom a few localities in 2
Western Gants of Kerala; Tamil Nadu (Aramalais,
+, Ashambu Hills); Goa (Talewadi) and southern Maharashtre
(Amboli, Sindhudurg distrier) at altitudes of 1200 1500m
(3940-92080),
Lookalikes
Other shieldtils ofthis g
(not featured),
Coral Snake (black forms).
NON VENOMOUS, RARE
Walls Shieldtai Brachyophidiun rhodogaster
Wall's Shield tail eee
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON Maxinmun 210mm (Sin
Description.
‘Small pointed head narrowe” ‘han neck; eye small. Short, sliyhily flattened tail ends
in a point, Scales on upper sarface of tail smooth or weakly keeled. Bluckish-brown
above. Belly scales and outer seale rows red; {hose on underside of tail after anal
scales — Dlackish-brown.
Sealation
Seales in 15 rows, smooth, Ventrals: 137-145; anal divided; subeaudals 6-11, paired
No mental groove. Loreal absent. Supraocular and postocular united into single
scale; frontal distinetly longer than broad; temporal 1. Upper caudal scales smooth
‘or with weak bi-, or wicarinate keel.
Natural Histors/ Behavior
Found under stones or in burrows, Probably cuts earthworms like other shieldtails,
Genile in disposition.
Distribution
$ Fndemic to India. Known from a few localities in Tamil
Nadu (Palri Hills) and Kerala
Look-alikes
Westen Sh
Red-bellied Shicdtail (not featured).
tal (not feet
Striped Coral Snal
€ (black forms),
hodogaster
Brachyaphidium rh
=
E
8
E
2
Wall’s Shicldtail
Wall's Shield tail eee
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON Maxinmun 210mm (Sin
Description.
‘Small pointed head narrowe” ‘han neck; eye small. Short, sliyhily flattened tail ends
in a point, Scales on upper sarface of tail smooth or weakly keeled. Bluckish-brown
above. Belly scales and outer seale rows red; {hose on underside of tail after anal
scales — Dlackish-brown.
Sealation
Seales in 15 rows, smooth, Ventrals: 137-145; anal divided; subeaudals 6-11, paired
No mental groove. Loreal absent. Supraocular and postocular united into single
scale; frontal distinetly longer than broad; temporal 1. Upper caudal scales smooth
‘or with weak bi-, or wicarinate keel.
Natural Histors/ Behavior
Found under stones or in burrows, Probably cuts earthworms like other shieldtails,
Genile in disposition.
Distribution
$ Fndemic to India. Known from a few localities in Tamil
Nadu (Palri Hills) and Kerala
Look-alikes
Westen Sh
Red-bellied Shicdtail (not featured).
tal (not feet
Striped Coral Snal
€ (black forms),
hodogaster
Brachyaphidium rh
=
E
8
E
2
Wall’s Shicldtail
Perrotet's Shieldtail Plectrurus perrotetii
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Description
Small pointed head not broder than neck; eye small. Short, blunt tail ends
small points — one below the other. Variable ir color. Brown or dark purplish-brovat
overall, cam also be dotted. Underside of tail somatisnes orange. Each smooth. gloss
scale usually streaked or centered with red or yellow (sometimes uniform brown)
‘Young snakes often have £ red or yellow line on top of the tail
bro
Sealation
Seales in 15 rows, smoorh. Ventrals 152-180; anal divided; subcaudals 6-12, No
mental groove. Eye helt, or ess taan half ocular shield. Supreocular separated from
‘ocular shield. Torval absent, Tail laterally compressed with multiearinate scales;
terminal caudal scure ends in two simple suserposed points (as opposed to ending in
bicuspid or tricuspid transverse
pes).
Natural History/ Behavior
Spends most of its time underground. May surface et night, or during heavy rains.
Yemales bear lo 3-6 young between July-August. Does not bite when handled but
say defecate and poke with tail tip.
Endemie 10 India. Western Ghuts — Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris,
Reporedly common in the Nilgiris
between 1300m-20001m (42658-65601).
Look-alikes
Other shieldsatls of this genus (not featured)
60
Plectrurus perrotetii
Z
$
5
S
E
E
E
2
&
E
5
?
Perrotet's Shieldtail
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Description
Small pointed head not broder than neck; eye small. Short, blunt tail ends
small points — one below the other. Variable ir color. Brown or dark purplish-brovat
overall, cam also be dotted. Underside of tail somatisnes orange. Each smooth. gloss
scale usually streaked or centered with red or yellow (sometimes uniform brown)
‘Young snakes often have £ red or yellow line on top of the tail
bro
Sealation
Seales in 15 rows, smoorh. Ventrals 152-180; anal divided; subcaudals 6-12, No
mental groove. Eye helt, or ess taan half ocular shield. Supreocular separated from
‘ocular shield. Torval absent, Tail laterally compressed with multiearinate scales;
terminal caudal scure ends in two simple suserposed points (as opposed to ending in
bicuspid or tricuspid transverse
pes).
Natural History/ Behavior
Spends most of its time underground. May surface et night, or during heavy rains.
Yemales bear lo 3-6 young between July-August. Does not bite when handled but
say defecate and poke with tail tip.
Endemie 10 India. Western Ghuts — Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris,
Reporedly common in the Nilgiris
between 1300m-20001m (42658-65601).
Look-alikes
Other shieldsatls of this genus (not featured)
60
Plectrurus perrotetii
Z
$
5
S
E
E
E
2
&
E
5
?
Perrotet's Shieldtail
Elliot’s Shicldtail Uropeltis elliori
NON VENOMOLS, COMMON “Maximum 250m (10in)
Description
Slender-bodied, smooth-scaled, Head narrower than neck. Saoat sharply sointed.
ail very short; tip appears to be cut at a slant (obliquely truncate). Slanting portion
slightly rounded encs in two small spines that are side by side. Glossy dark brown
back, will or withou: small yellow dots and larger ones on the underside, Distirc
yellow line along sides of nec’ and bread yellow stripe on each side of tal, usually
joined by a cross-line at the anal region. This is probably a species complex that
needs 10 be revised.
Scalation
‘Scales in 17 rows, smoota; ventrals 144-176; subeaudals 5-11, paired. Portion of
rostral visible from above as long as distance between it and middle of frontal
Rostral separates nasals for more than half their length. Eye 1/3 10 1/2 ocular shield.
Loreal absent
Natural History! Behavi
Mostly nocturaal, inoffensive burrower. Eats mainly earthworms. Females
young, Has meny predators includirg birds, other snakes and wild boar.
bear live
Distribution
E Endemic 10 India. The Westem Uhsts mostly south of
the Goa Gap to Tirunelveli. Also scattered records om
à Bangalore; Gujarat; Maharashtra and recently Madhya
J Pradesh (Pachmarhi). he Lastera Ghats up to Garjem on
the Andlıra Pradesh-Orissa border
Look-alikes
Other Shields
62
Uropeltis ellioti
Maximum 25050 (10in)
E
E
E
E
5
=
E
2
A
E
Elliot's Shieldtail
NON VENOMOLS, COMMON “Maximum 250m (10in)
Description
Slender-bodied, smooth-scaled, Head narrower than neck. Saoat sharply sointed.
ail very short; tip appears to be cut at a slant (obliquely truncate). Slanting portion
slightly rounded encs in two small spines that are side by side. Glossy dark brown
back, will or withou: small yellow dots and larger ones on the underside, Distirc
yellow line along sides of nec’ and bread yellow stripe on each side of tal, usually
joined by a cross-line at the anal region. This is probably a species complex that
needs 10 be revised.
Scalation
‘Scales in 17 rows, smoota; ventrals 144-176; subeaudals 5-11, paired. Portion of
rostral visible from above as long as distance between it and middle of frontal
Rostral separates nasals for more than half their length. Eye 1/3 10 1/2 ocular shield.
Loreal absent
Natural History! Behavi
Mostly nocturaal, inoffensive burrower. Eats mainly earthworms. Females
young, Has meny predators includirg birds, other snakes and wild boar.
bear live
Distribution
E Endemic 10 India. The Westem Uhsts mostly south of
the Goa Gap to Tirunelveli. Also scattered records om
à Bangalore; Gujarat; Maharashtra and recently Madhya
J Pradesh (Pachmarhi). he Lastera Ghats up to Garjem on
the Andlıra Pradesh-Orissa border
Look-alikes
Other Shields
62
Uropeltis ellioti
Maximum 25050 (10in)
E
E
E
E
5
=
E
2
A
E
Elliot's Shieldtail
Large-scaled Shieldtail x macrolepis macrolepis
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON Maximum 323mm (3)
Description
Cylindrical-bodied, smootlescaled. Head narrower than neck. Snout rounded. Tail
very shorl, appicars to be cut ata slam ends in rwo small points that are side by side.
Upper scales on tail rough, keeled. Overall very glossy black or dark purplish-browa
~ each scale with a light margin, A short (usually broad) yellow or orange stripe on
lips and sides of neck that breaks up and continues as large spots on either side of the
forebody. Helly scales usually unmarked. A broad yellow stripe oa each side of the
tail that is usually joined by a cross-line at the anal region,
Sealation
Scales smooth, in 15 rows at midbody. Ventrals 127-140; subeaudals 7-10, paired.
Eye usually more than 2/2 ocular shield. Portion of rostral visible from: above
distinctly less han its distance from frontal, Loresl absent,
Natural History/ Behavior
Inofieasive burrower. Fals mainly earthworms, A docile snake ‘hat has many
predators including otter snakes and wild boss.
Distribution
Endemic to India. Western Ghats: though recorded from
the Dangs of Guiarat (probably the northern-most limit of
+, its distribation), more widely distributed in Maharashtra
Cgetpuri, hills around Bombay, Lonavla, Poona, Muls!
to forests around Koyna and Ataboli), Southern-most limit
Look-alikes
Other shieldtails.
ia
ADULTS Top lt: Since ne Te
AC um mas AMIT CHAVAN
El
E
E
a
E
E
E
5
Largo-scaled Shieldtail
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON Maximum 323mm (3)
Description
Cylindrical-bodied, smootlescaled. Head narrower than neck. Snout rounded. Tail
very shorl, appicars to be cut ata slam ends in rwo small points that are side by side.
Upper scales on tail rough, keeled. Overall very glossy black or dark purplish-browa
~ each scale with a light margin, A short (usually broad) yellow or orange stripe on
lips and sides of neck that breaks up and continues as large spots on either side of the
forebody. Helly scales usually unmarked. A broad yellow stripe oa each side of the
tail that is usually joined by a cross-line at the anal region,
Sealation
Scales smooth, in 15 rows at midbody. Ventrals 127-140; subeaudals 7-10, paired.
Eye usually more than 2/2 ocular shield. Portion of rostral visible from: above
distinctly less han its distance from frontal, Loresl absent,
Natural History/ Behavior
Inofieasive burrower. Fals mainly earthworms, A docile snake ‘hat has many
predators including otter snakes and wild boss.
Distribution
Endemic to India. Western Ghats: though recorded from
the Dangs of Guiarat (probably the northern-most limit of
+, its distribation), more widely distributed in Maharashtra
Cgetpuri, hills around Bombay, Lonavla, Poona, Muls!
to forests around Koyna and Ataboli), Southern-most limit
Look-alikes
Other shieldtails.
ia
ADULTS Top lt: Since ne Te
AC um mas AMIT CHAVAN
El
E
E
a
E
E
E
5
Largo-scaled Shieldtail
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON
Mahableshwar SI
NON VENOMOL
dt Uropeitis macrotepis mahablesiavarensis
‘OMMON ET
NET)
Description
Cylindrieal-bodied, srooth-sealed. Hl
yrower than neck. Snout -ounded. ‘il
very short, appears so he cut at a nds in two small points that are side by sige.
Upper scales on tail rough, keeled. Overall very glossy black or dark purplisi-browa
each scale with a light margin, Long (mostly unbroken), brow y stripe
along each side of the body. Belly scales usually anmarkec. A broaé yellow stripe on
each sie of the tail that is usually joined by a cross-line at the anal region,
Sealation
Seales smooth, in 15 =o
Lie usually more that 1
distinctly less than its dí
at micbody. Ventrals 120-130; subcaudals 9-13, paired.
ocular shield, Portion of roszal visible from añove
ance from frontal, Loreal absent
Natural History! Behavior
Inofiensive burrower, Eats mainly earthworms, A docile snake that has many
oredators including birds and wild boar
Distribution
indemie to India. Restricted to a very small part of the
Western Ghats in Maharashtra (Mahableshwer and nearby
4, areas). A single record from near Powai Lake, Mumbai
another from Tang Fort. near Lonavle need reconfirmation.
Look-alikes
Other shieldtails
68
is mahableshwar
racrolez
Mahableshwar Shieldtail
COMMON
TNOMOUS,
NON VENOMOL
dt Uropeitis macrotepis mahablesiavarensis
‘OMMON ET
NET)
Description
Cylindrieal-bodied, srooth-sealed. Hl
yrower than neck. Snout -ounded. ‘il
very short, appears so he cut at a nds in two small points that are side by sige.
Upper scales on tail rough, keeled. Overall very glossy black or dark purplisi-browa
each scale with a light margin, Long (mostly unbroken), brow y stripe
along each side of the body. Belly scales usually anmarkec. A broaé yellow stripe on
each sie of the tail that is usually joined by a cross-line at the anal region,
Sealation
Seales smooth, in 15 =o
Lie usually more that 1
distinctly less than its dí
at micbody. Ventrals 120-130; subcaudals 9-13, paired.
ocular shield, Portion of roszal visible from añove
ance from frontal, Loreal absent
Natural History! Behavior
Inofiensive burrower, Eats mainly earthworms, A docile snake that has many
oredators including birds and wild boar
Distribution
indemie to India. Restricted to a very small part of the
Western Ghats in Maharashtra (Mahableshwer and nearby
4, areas). A single record from near Powai Lake, Mumbai
another from Tang Fort. near Lonavle need reconfirmation.
Look-alikes
Other shieldtails
68
is mahableshwar
racrolez
Mahableshwar Shieldtail
COMMON
TNOMOUS,
Periyar Shicldtail
NON VENOMOUS, RAR
Uropellis arcticeps madurensis
Maximum 37000 (150)
Slender-bodied and smooth-scaled. Head narrower than neck; snout obuusely
pointed. Very short teil, appears to be cut at a slant; ends in wo smell spines.
Upper scales on tail rough, keeled. Glossy black or dark purolish-browa above,
uniform or with yellov=cdged scales, Sides of neck yellow. Underside yellow with
large black or brown blotches. Variutions: occasionally vellow above, sported with
black; uncerside almost uniform black or purplish-brown. Two subspecies currently
recognized: (1) Periyar Shieldtail Uropetis arcriceps madurensis (ii) Tirunelreli
Shielétail Uropeltis arcnicens arcticeps. Each has a different distribution; the later
also has fewer belly scales, ‘Ihe taxonomy of this spevies remains unclear there ere
probably two or more species that have been clumped together.
Sealation
Umpelis arcticeps madurensis: ventrals 146-157, at least 14 specimens known,
Uropeltis arenceps arcticeps: ventrals 127 and 128 (128 and 130 - fide Foulenuer)
known from 2 specimens. Characters common to both subspecies: scales im 17 rows,
smooth; eye 1/2 to 1/4 ocular shield; portion of rostral visible from above ecual to
or less than its distance from frontal. No mental groove. Both loreal and supraveular
absent; usually no temporals. Tail ubliquely truncate above, truncated portion large,
Tut, forms an oval dise, covered with th which has two, three
‘or more keels: subeaudals § to 10 (rarely 6)
Natural History/ Behavior
Targely unknown. offensive burrower, Active after heavy rains. Like other
shieldrails probably cats earthworms.
ibution
Endemic to India. Periyar Shieldtail: Western Ghats south
of the Palghat gap; southern Kerala — om sea level
(Alappuzha! Alleppey) to the hills of Madura district
(Tirunelveli Shieldtail: known with certainty only from the
Ashambu Hills in Tamil Nadu).
Look-alikes
a! Other shieldails
ANITA DALTRY
Periyar Shieldtail
Uropeltis arcticeps madurensis
‘Maximum 370mm (ie)
NON VENOMOLS, RARE
NON VENOMOUS, RAR
Uropellis arcticeps madurensis
Maximum 37000 (150)
Slender-bodied and smooth-scaled. Head narrower than neck; snout obuusely
pointed. Very short teil, appears to be cut at a slant; ends in wo smell spines.
Upper scales on tail rough, keeled. Glossy black or dark purolish-browa above,
uniform or with yellov=cdged scales, Sides of neck yellow. Underside yellow with
large black or brown blotches. Variutions: occasionally vellow above, sported with
black; uncerside almost uniform black or purplish-brown. Two subspecies currently
recognized: (1) Periyar Shieldtail Uropetis arcriceps madurensis (ii) Tirunelreli
Shielétail Uropeltis arcnicens arcticeps. Each has a different distribution; the later
also has fewer belly scales, ‘Ihe taxonomy of this spevies remains unclear there ere
probably two or more species that have been clumped together.
Sealation
Umpelis arcticeps madurensis: ventrals 146-157, at least 14 specimens known,
Uropeltis arenceps arcticeps: ventrals 127 and 128 (128 and 130 - fide Foulenuer)
known from 2 specimens. Characters common to both subspecies: scales im 17 rows,
smooth; eye 1/2 to 1/4 ocular shield; portion of rostral visible from above ecual to
or less than its distance from frontal. No mental groove. Both loreal and supraveular
absent; usually no temporals. Tail ubliquely truncate above, truncated portion large,
Tut, forms an oval dise, covered with th which has two, three
‘or more keels: subeaudals § to 10 (rarely 6)
Natural History/ Behavior
Targely unknown. offensive burrower, Active after heavy rains. Like other
shieldrails probably cats earthworms.
ibution
Endemic to India. Periyar Shieldtail: Western Ghats south
of the Palghat gap; southern Kerala — om sea level
(Alappuzha! Alleppey) to the hills of Madura district
(Tirunelveli Shieldtail: known with certainty only from the
Ashambu Hills in Tamil Nadu).
Look-alikes
a! Other shieldails
ANITA DALTRY
Periyar Shieldtail
Uropeltis arcticeps madurensis
‘Maximum 370mm (ie)
NON VENOMOLS, RARE
Phipson’s Shieldtail Uropelis phipsonti
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON
Sram (Hi)
Description
lindricel-bodied, smooih-svaled. Head na:rower than neck. Snou: rounded or
Lip scales pardy yellow. Tail very short, appears to be cut at a
in two small spines that are side by side. Very glossy brown or dark
porplish-brown, with or without small, irregular, scattered yellow dots an back. A
in, bright yellow line from behind mouth uns along sides of neck and torebady,
hen breaks up into spots furtzer back. Helly colored like buck, sometimes with afew
very small, fahıt yellow spots. A broad yellow stripe on each side of the tail that is
usually joined by a cross-jine a! the anal region.
Sealation
Scales in 17 rows, smooth:
absent
157; subcaudals 7-12, paired. Loreal
Natural History’ Behavior
Largely unknown, Lives underground, x burrower. Active al
rains, Eals earthworrs. A docile snake that has many pred
wild boar.
‘ove ground after heavy
lading birds and
lars
Distribution
ou Endemic 19 India, Known with cerainty from the Western
SE hats of Maharashtra (bills around Mumbai and Pune),
Reported from Karnataka (Bolgaura, Dhacwar, and Mysore).
‘Also fiom Tamil Nadu (the Nilgiris. Biligirirangan Hills, ad
À Keniyukumnati district). These records need confirmation, as
5 does a record from the Anamalai Hills
Look-alikes
‘Other shieldtails
E
E
=
E
Phipson's Shieldtail
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON
Sram (Hi)
Description
lindricel-bodied, smooih-svaled. Head na:rower than neck. Snou: rounded or
Lip scales pardy yellow. Tail very short, appears to be cut at a
in two small spines that are side by side. Very glossy brown or dark
porplish-brown, with or without small, irregular, scattered yellow dots an back. A
in, bright yellow line from behind mouth uns along sides of neck and torebady,
hen breaks up into spots furtzer back. Helly colored like buck, sometimes with afew
very small, fahıt yellow spots. A broad yellow stripe on each side of the tail that is
usually joined by a cross-jine a! the anal region.
Sealation
Scales in 17 rows, smooth:
absent
157; subcaudals 7-12, paired. Loreal
Natural History’ Behavior
Largely unknown, Lives underground, x burrower. Active al
rains, Eals earthworrs. A docile snake that has many pred
wild boar.
‘ove ground after heavy
lading birds and
lars
Distribution
ou Endemic 19 India, Known with cerainty from the Western
SE hats of Maharashtra (bills around Mumbai and Pune),
Reported from Karnataka (Bolgaura, Dhacwar, and Mysore).
‘Also fiom Tamil Nadu (the Nilgiris. Biligirirangan Hills, ad
À Keniyukumnati district). These records need confirmation, as
5 does a record from the Anamalai Hills
Look-alikes
‘Other shieldtails
E
E
=
E
Phipson's Shieldtail
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON
Uropeltis liura
CEE)
Description
rical-bodied, smooth-sealed. Glossy, smoota-sceled, except upper surface of
tail where last few scales have one or more fein: keels, Head rarrower than neck;
snout acutely pointed. Lye small, entirely black ‘Inil very short, upper sucface
convex, tipped with two small points arranged side by side, Light or dark purplish
brown with several bicolored scales ~ cach of which is black in front, yellow behind
or yellow edged with black, ‘Ihe black and yellow scales are widely spaced and may
be arranged in a series of “dotted lines” ¿cross the back. Most other scales have
darker edges. Underside black with lunge yellow spots and/or cross-bary, Sometimes
the two colors are evenly distributed and the belly is alrernately black and yellow.
Some forms are reportedly “yellow-green with scattered yellow spots” on the back
and “dark violet with altesneting vellow blotches and cross bands” on the underside.
Also on record is uniform orange-yellow specimen from Oothu, Ashambu TK,
Tamil Nedu,
Sealation
Scales in 17 rows, smoot; ventrels 173-188; anal divided; subcaudals 8-12, paired,
Portion of rostral visible fron: above — as long its distance from frontal. Rostral
‘converges to a point between nasuls which touch. Eye nearly 1/2 ocular shi
Toreal absent,
Natural History! Behavior
Mostly noctumal. offensive burrower. Found in gardens, and on borders of
‘cardamom plantations. Prefers soils mixed with clay. Eats mainly earthworms.
Females bear live young in May-June.
Distribution
Er
Endemic to India, Hills of Tamil Nadu (Anamalais, Nileiris,
Ashamibu Hills) und adjacent parts of Kerala. between
199080.
Look-alikes
Other shieldails,
2
Uropeltis liura
om (13in)
E
A
E
E
E
E
3
&
3
A
2
Ashambu
CEE)
Description
rical-bodied, smooth-sealed. Glossy, smoota-sceled, except upper surface of
tail where last few scales have one or more fein: keels, Head rarrower than neck;
snout acutely pointed. Lye small, entirely black ‘Inil very short, upper sucface
convex, tipped with two small points arranged side by side, Light or dark purplish
brown with several bicolored scales ~ cach of which is black in front, yellow behind
or yellow edged with black, ‘Ihe black and yellow scales are widely spaced and may
be arranged in a series of “dotted lines” ¿cross the back. Most other scales have
darker edges. Underside black with lunge yellow spots and/or cross-bary, Sometimes
the two colors are evenly distributed and the belly is alrernately black and yellow.
Some forms are reportedly “yellow-green with scattered yellow spots” on the back
and “dark violet with altesneting vellow blotches and cross bands” on the underside.
Also on record is uniform orange-yellow specimen from Oothu, Ashambu TK,
Tamil Nedu,
Sealation
Scales in 17 rows, smoot; ventrels 173-188; anal divided; subcaudals 8-12, paired,
Portion of rostral visible fron: above — as long its distance from frontal. Rostral
‘converges to a point between nasuls which touch. Eye nearly 1/2 ocular shi
Toreal absent,
Natural History! Behavior
Mostly noctumal. offensive burrower. Found in gardens, and on borders of
‘cardamom plantations. Prefers soils mixed with clay. Eats mainly earthworms.
Females bear live young in May-June.
Distribution
Er
Endemic to India, Hills of Tamil Nadu (Anamalais, Nileiris,
Ashamibu Hills) und adjacent parts of Kerala. between
199080.
Look-alikes
Other shieldails,
2
Uropeltis liura
om (13in)
E
A
E
E
E
E
3
&
3
A
2
Ashambu
Sunbeam Snake Xenopeltis unicolor
NON VENOMOUS, RARE emo
i
Description
Body cylincrical or slightly Nettond with smooth, highly iridescent scales. Flattened
head with large scales on top; stout rounded. Small eye has vertical puoil. Short til
ends in a point. Uniform chocolate brown or black above, Scales or side of body
waite-edged. Lip scales white. Scales under body and tail also white, sometimes
with brown edges. Yeung with broad sinkish-white collar.
Scalation
Seales in 15 : 15 : 15 rows,'smocth. Ventrals (164) 17
subcanda's
96; anal scale divided
A1, paized, Loreal atsert; preocular 1, lerge; 2 postoculars; tex:porals
bias $ (43 and S* toaching eye). A lage single scale behind the forts]
a the parietal uerpariesal),
Natural History Behavior
‘Nocturna’. Found in paddy fields, ben
leaf litle, Chiscl-shaped head helps it burrow — can bury itse:f rapidly
Active during rains. Spends the day underground and emerges at night to ln
includes other snakes, small rodents, frogs, lizards und small birds, Lays 3-1
Known on Great Nicobar as “Yael sap” (= oil snake) on account
th loys or siones, in mangrove swamps, and
soft earth,
Prey
Sometimes vibrates tail rapidly when disturbed,
Distribution
India: only the Nicobar Islands. Also whole of Southeast
Asia.
+
Look-alikes
None in range.
AA -Shopen et Coop Get Ni
AMES GuOOKE
3
3
E
Sunbeam Snake
NON VENOMOUS, RARE
NON VENOMOUS, RARE emo
i
Description
Body cylincrical or slightly Nettond with smooth, highly iridescent scales. Flattened
head with large scales on top; stout rounded. Small eye has vertical puoil. Short til
ends in a point. Uniform chocolate brown or black above, Scales or side of body
waite-edged. Lip scales white. Scales under body and tail also white, sometimes
with brown edges. Yeung with broad sinkish-white collar.
Scalation
Seales in 15 : 15 : 15 rows,'smocth. Ventrals (164) 17
subcanda's
96; anal scale divided
A1, paized, Loreal atsert; preocular 1, lerge; 2 postoculars; tex:porals
bias $ (43 and S* toaching eye). A lage single scale behind the forts]
a the parietal uerpariesal),
Natural History Behavior
‘Nocturna’. Found in paddy fields, ben
leaf litle, Chiscl-shaped head helps it burrow — can bury itse:f rapidly
Active during rains. Spends the day underground and emerges at night to ln
includes other snakes, small rodents, frogs, lizards und small birds, Lays 3-1
Known on Great Nicobar as “Yael sap” (= oil snake) on account
th loys or siones, in mangrove swamps, and
soft earth,
Prey
Sometimes vibrates tail rapidly when disturbed,
Distribution
India: only the Nicobar Islands. Also whole of Southeast
Asia.
+
Look-alikes
None in range.
AA -Shopen et Coop Get Ni
AMES GuOOKE
3
3
E
Sunbeam Snake
NON VENOMOUS, RARE
Indian Rock Python Python molurus mol
NON VENOMOUS, RARE à
ncting SOOmm (20m)
Acs 300mm (11Sin)
Maximum 76200000 (300in)
Description
Thick-bodied, smooth-scaled. Head broader than neck; eye has vertical pupil. Seale
at snout tip and first two upper lip scales have heat sensitive pits. Upper suri
of head has large scales of diffèrent shapes and sizes. Yellowish to brown w
asymmetrical dark brown, black-edyed blotches. Tip of arrow-head mark on head
tongue and parts of head pale pink. Two dark streaks on side
the other through/behind eye. Underside white or yellowish
led scales and a pattern similar in color, but with symmetrical
ith pointed ends, or round, Also, the upper heed
th
(Russell's Viper
blotches that ar
scales are small)
in 60-75 rows, smooth. Ventrals 253-270, distinetly narrower than width
mal undivided; subcaudals 58-73, paired. Rostral and first 2 supralabials
Natural History? Behavior
Nocturnal. Inhabit estuarine mangrove foresis, arid scrab jungle, rainforests and
grasslands. Though adaptable, rock pythons need large, undisturbed areas to hunt
and hide in, As these get scarce, so do these snakes. Prey is mainly 9
(rodents, fruit bats, birds, jackals, civets, deer and wild boar). The pits (slits) on
the rostral (snout scule) and upper lip scales sense warmth and kelp the snake hunt
Both sexes have a “spur” (larger in males) on each side of the anal scale. These are
considered to be vestigial kind limbs. Females lay up Lo 107 cus in Mareh-June and
remain coiled on them for 60-80 days. Muscular body contractions raise te
a litle to help incubate the eggs.
Distribution
= Throughout India (except the Islands) up to 2000m (65601
above sea level. *Common in parts of its range. Also
Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka,
Look-alikes
Russell's Viper and Sand boas,
Burmese Python (range may overlap).
Reticulated Python (range does not overlap, but o
mistaken for this sp
78
1 molurus molurus
Indian Rock Python
NON VENOMOUS, RARE?
Gin adults 300mm Y
NON VENOMOUS, RARE à
ncting SOOmm (20m)
Acs 300mm (11Sin)
Maximum 76200000 (300in)
Description
Thick-bodied, smooth-scaled. Head broader than neck; eye has vertical pupil. Seale
at snout tip and first two upper lip scales have heat sensitive pits. Upper suri
of head has large scales of diffèrent shapes and sizes. Yellowish to brown w
asymmetrical dark brown, black-edyed blotches. Tip of arrow-head mark on head
tongue and parts of head pale pink. Two dark streaks on side
the other through/behind eye. Underside white or yellowish
led scales and a pattern similar in color, but with symmetrical
ith pointed ends, or round, Also, the upper heed
th
(Russell's Viper
blotches that ar
scales are small)
in 60-75 rows, smooth. Ventrals 253-270, distinetly narrower than width
mal undivided; subcaudals 58-73, paired. Rostral and first 2 supralabials
Natural History? Behavior
Nocturnal. Inhabit estuarine mangrove foresis, arid scrab jungle, rainforests and
grasslands. Though adaptable, rock pythons need large, undisturbed areas to hunt
and hide in, As these get scarce, so do these snakes. Prey is mainly 9
(rodents, fruit bats, birds, jackals, civets, deer and wild boar). The pits (slits) on
the rostral (snout scule) and upper lip scales sense warmth and kelp the snake hunt
Both sexes have a “spur” (larger in males) on each side of the anal scale. These are
considered to be vestigial kind limbs. Females lay up Lo 107 cus in Mareh-June and
remain coiled on them for 60-80 days. Muscular body contractions raise te
a litle to help incubate the eggs.
Distribution
= Throughout India (except the Islands) up to 2000m (65601
above sea level. *Common in parts of its range. Also
Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka,
Look-alikes
Russell's Viper and Sand boas,
Burmese Python (range may overlap).
Reticulated Python (range does not overlap, but o
mistaken for this sp
78
1 molurus molurus
Indian Rock Python
NON VENOMOUS, RARE?
Gin adults 300mm Y
Burmese Python Python molurus hivittatus
NONVENOMOUS, RARE eE 500-790m:m (20-300r)
Maximum $400 (236)
Description
Thick-bodied and smootk-scaled. Head broac hax vertical pupil
Seale at snout np and fist two upper lip scales have heat sensitive pits. Upper
surface of head has large scales of different shapes and sizes. Yellowish to brown
with asymmerrical dark brown, bieck-edged blotches. Tip of arrow-head mark
on upper surace of head distinct (even in adults); tongue blue-black: no pink on
head. Two dark streaks on side of head - one below, the other through’ behind the
eye. Undersice white or yellowish. (Russell's Viper as keeled scales and a paltern
similar in color, but with Symmetrical blotches that are are either oval with pointed
ends, or round. Also, the upper head seules are small).
Sealation
Scales in 60-75 rows, smooth, Vet
Nocturaal. Inhabit estuarine mangrove forests, raintorests and grasslands. Though
adaptable, pythons need large, undisturbec areas to hunt and hide in. As these get
scarce, so do these snakes. Prey is mainly warm-blooded (rodents, fui: bats, birds,
Jackals, civets, deer and wild boar) The pits (sits) on the rostral (snout scale) and
upper lip scales sense warmth and help the suske hunt, Bath sexes have a “spur” on
each side of the anal scale. These are considere to be vestigial Lind licabs, Feraales
lay up to 107 eggs in March ~ Jure and remain coiled on them for 60-80 days.
Muscular body contractions raise temperature little to help incubate the zus
Distribution
India: Restricted to Northeast India. There are unpublished,
reliable reports of this sub: from as Sar west
ge 0s Uttaranchal (Dehra Dun}. Also Nepal, Myanmar,
F* Bangladesh, China, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambod
Indonesia.
Look-alikes
Russell's Viper.
Indian Rock Python (range may over'sp).
Reticulated Python (range not known to overlap in India)
80
Burmese Python
E
=
3
3
El
E
al;
NON VENOMOUS, RARE,
NONVENOMOUS, RARE eE 500-790m:m (20-300r)
Maximum $400 (236)
Description
Thick-bodied and smootk-scaled. Head broac hax vertical pupil
Seale at snout np and fist two upper lip scales have heat sensitive pits. Upper
surface of head has large scales of different shapes and sizes. Yellowish to brown
with asymmerrical dark brown, bieck-edged blotches. Tip of arrow-head mark
on upper surace of head distinct (even in adults); tongue blue-black: no pink on
head. Two dark streaks on side of head - one below, the other through’ behind the
eye. Undersice white or yellowish. (Russell's Viper as keeled scales and a paltern
similar in color, but with Symmetrical blotches that are are either oval with pointed
ends, or round. Also, the upper head seules are small).
Sealation
Scales in 60-75 rows, smooth, Vet
Nocturaal. Inhabit estuarine mangrove forests, raintorests and grasslands. Though
adaptable, pythons need large, undisturbec areas to hunt and hide in. As these get
scarce, so do these snakes. Prey is mainly warm-blooded (rodents, fui: bats, birds,
Jackals, civets, deer and wild boar) The pits (sits) on the rostral (snout scale) and
upper lip scales sense warmth and help the suske hunt, Bath sexes have a “spur” on
each side of the anal scale. These are considere to be vestigial Lind licabs, Feraales
lay up to 107 eggs in March ~ Jure and remain coiled on them for 60-80 days.
Muscular body contractions raise temperature little to help incubate the zus
Distribution
India: Restricted to Northeast India. There are unpublished,
reliable reports of this sub: from as Sar west
ge 0s Uttaranchal (Dehra Dun}. Also Nepal, Myanmar,
F* Bangladesh, China, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambod
Indonesia.
Look-alikes
Russell's Viper.
Indian Rock Python (range may over'sp).
Reticulated Python (range not known to overlap in India)
80
Burmese Python
E
=
3
3
El
E
al;
NON VENOMOUS, RARE,
Reticulated Python Python reticulatus
NON VENOMOUS, RARE Athatshing 550-780mm: 23-300)
Ads 2000-6900. (118-226in)
Maximum 16000m (2940)
Adults Verge, thick-bodied, smooth-scaled. Eye has vertical pupil. Large, differently
shaped scales on top of head. Thin black line running slong middle of head and
from eye to angle of mouth distingrish it from the Indian Rock Python and
the Burmese Python. Pale brown or yellowish above with a series of large brown
oval or Sguarish “pixelatc” marks (ha touch or join to “orm a wide zigzag pattern
a margined with black and yellow; extends onto the sides of the body to
exelose a white spot, Frestly moulted individuals ace beautifully iridescent, Old
clash
Sealation
Seales in 66-80 rows, smooth. Ventrals 290-332, distinctly: narrower than width of
belly; anal entire: subesudals 75-102, mostly paired, Rostral and fist 4 supralabials
pitted (4? moluvus has rostrel ane first 2 supralabiels pitted), Supralabials 12 oF 13;
suboculars absent.
¡Natural Mistory Behavior
Though mainly terrestrial, a good climber. Mostly ave
Found in humid forests. Feeds moslly on mammals, som
lizards. Contrary to popular bese very rarely eats people. Recorded eating 80%
own body weight in captivity. Consricts prey. Lays 50-124 egas in Apil-May,
which fake 60-101 days to hatch depending on incubation temperature, Though
females tard eggs by coiling around them, unlike tte Indian Rock Python, they
seem unable to raise clutch tempecature by muscular eontactions. In the Nicobar
Islands, tis snake is a well-kuown chiesen “thie” Boch sexes have a spur (larger
in males) on cach side of the anal scale. These are considereó to be vestigial bind
limbs, During mating, males use their spurs to align their cloaca withthe females and
pechaps to stimulate as well
Distribution
India: known with certainty only ftom the Nicobar Islands,
Lixoly lo be found in Northeast India, bur this needs
conármation. Also throughout Southeast Asia
Look-alikes
Other pythons.
82
3
€
NON VENOMOUS, RAR
Reticulated Pythan
NON VENOMOUS, RARE Athatshing 550-780mm: 23-300)
Ads 2000-6900. (118-226in)
Maximum 16000m (2940)
Adults Verge, thick-bodied, smooth-scaled. Eye has vertical pupil. Large, differently
shaped scales on top of head. Thin black line running slong middle of head and
from eye to angle of mouth distingrish it from the Indian Rock Python and
the Burmese Python. Pale brown or yellowish above with a series of large brown
oval or Sguarish “pixelatc” marks (ha touch or join to “orm a wide zigzag pattern
a margined with black and yellow; extends onto the sides of the body to
exelose a white spot, Frestly moulted individuals ace beautifully iridescent, Old
clash
Sealation
Seales in 66-80 rows, smooth. Ventrals 290-332, distinctly: narrower than width of
belly; anal entire: subesudals 75-102, mostly paired, Rostral and fist 4 supralabials
pitted (4? moluvus has rostrel ane first 2 supralabiels pitted), Supralabials 12 oF 13;
suboculars absent.
¡Natural Mistory Behavior
Though mainly terrestrial, a good climber. Mostly ave
Found in humid forests. Feeds moslly on mammals, som
lizards. Contrary to popular bese very rarely eats people. Recorded eating 80%
own body weight in captivity. Consricts prey. Lays 50-124 egas in Apil-May,
which fake 60-101 days to hatch depending on incubation temperature, Though
females tard eggs by coiling around them, unlike tte Indian Rock Python, they
seem unable to raise clutch tempecature by muscular eontactions. In the Nicobar
Islands, tis snake is a well-kuown chiesen “thie” Boch sexes have a spur (larger
in males) on cach side of the anal scale. These are considereó to be vestigial bind
limbs, During mating, males use their spurs to align their cloaca withthe females and
pechaps to stimulate as well
Distribution
India: known with certainty only ftom the Nicobar Islands,
Lixoly lo be found in Northeast India, bur this needs
conármation. Also throughout Southeast Asia
Look-alikes
Other pythons.
82
3
€
NON VENOMOUS, RAR
Reticulated Pythan
Common Sand Boa Gongylophis conicus
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON AU Di 225mm Gin)
Adults 500enm (20in)
Maxima 10001 (39in)
Deseription
Short and thick-bocied. Seales of head and tail strongly keeled. Small eye has
vertical pupil. Tail very short. Color variable: reddish-brown, yellowish-white, dark
row or black with large irregular usually dark brown, black-edged blotzhes that
are connected on the back. Underside yellowish-white. Young Sand Boas can be
mistaken for Saw-sealed Vipers, adults for Russell's Vipers or pythons.
Sealation
‘Seales in 40-55 rows, strongly keeled on head and tail (sometimes tubercled). Ventrals
62-196, distinctly narrower than width 07 belly; anal tripartito (a larger me
scale with a smaller scale on each side); subcaudals 16-24, entire. Supralabials
12-14; top of head has small scales (except nasals and internasals); scales between
eyes (across forehead) 8-10; scales around eye 10-15, Mental groove absent
Natural History/ Behavior
Mainly nocturnal, but will hunt by day. Feeds on inseets, lizards, snakes, birds, and
rodents, Kills most prey by constriction, Hunts actively in codent burrows. Will
also hunt by ambush - by burying itself until a bird or lizard comes wit king
distance. Females bear 6-8 live young in May-July. When disturbed, Comraon Sand
Boas may thrash abou, flatten their bod strike Tl
Dis
ibution
‘Throughout Fadia (exeluding dhe Northeast and the Andaman
& Nicobar Islands). Also Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh,
+, Sri Lanka.
!
Whitaker's Boa.
Indian Rock Python,
Russell's Viper
Saw-scaled Viper,
il
El
$
IS COMMON
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON AU Di 225mm Gin)
Adults 500enm (20in)
Maxima 10001 (39in)
Deseription
Short and thick-bocied. Seales of head and tail strongly keeled. Small eye has
vertical pupil. Tail very short. Color variable: reddish-brown, yellowish-white, dark
row or black with large irregular usually dark brown, black-edged blotzhes that
are connected on the back. Underside yellowish-white. Young Sand Boas can be
mistaken for Saw-sealed Vipers, adults for Russell's Vipers or pythons.
Sealation
‘Seales in 40-55 rows, strongly keeled on head and tail (sometimes tubercled). Ventrals
62-196, distinctly narrower than width 07 belly; anal tripartito (a larger me
scale with a smaller scale on each side); subcaudals 16-24, entire. Supralabials
12-14; top of head has small scales (except nasals and internasals); scales between
eyes (across forehead) 8-10; scales around eye 10-15, Mental groove absent
Natural History/ Behavior
Mainly nocturnal, but will hunt by day. Feeds on inseets, lizards, snakes, birds, and
rodents, Kills most prey by constriction, Hunts actively in codent burrows. Will
also hunt by ambush - by burying itself until a bird or lizard comes wit king
distance. Females bear 6-8 live young in May-July. When disturbed, Comraon Sand
Boas may thrash abou, flatten their bod strike Tl
Dis
ibution
‘Throughout Fadia (exeluding dhe Northeast and the Andaman
& Nicobar Islands). Also Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh,
+, Sri Lanka.
!
Whitaker's Boa.
Indian Rock Python,
Russell's Viper
Saw-scaled Viper,
il
El
$
IS COMMON
Red Sand Boa
‘Adults 750m Gin)
Maxim OO Pin)
Description
Thick-bodicd. Head not broader than neck; with a wide, shovel-shaped scale at the
Lip of the snout. Lye small but distinct; has vertical pupil ~ (unlike Diard’s Worm
Snake, whose eye is visible as a black dot). Very blunt tail with rounded ip resembles
the head — giving rise 16 the misbelief that it has two heads. Color variable: recdish-
‘brown, dark brown, speckled gray, yellow or black, sometimes with a bleek-bandec
tail. Belly waite, sg0zed with brown or entirely brown. (The tail of Diard's Worm
Snake ends in a small spine).
Sealation
Scales in 53-67 rows, weakly keeled (but smooth ro the touch). Ventrals 190-210,
distineriy narrower than widih of b partite (@ larger medien scale with
a smaller scale on each side); subcandals 20-34, entre. Supralabials 10-12; scales
between eyes (across foreliead) 6-9: scales around eye 10-11. Mental groove
present.
Natural History/ Behavior
Nectur places and sandy soil. Often lives in rocent burrows. Diet
and method of killing prey similar to tha: of the Common Sard Boa; also eats other
snakes, Females bear 6-8 live young with distinctly band
bodies, around June, Usually very docile.
tails, and sometimes
istribution
India: throughout drier zones of the peninsula und the
à Northwest, Also Pakistan and Nepal
”
Look-alikes
Diard's Worm Snake.
$6
Red Sand Boa
Fiyx johnit
$
E
El
8
2
2
2
‘Adults 750m Gin)
Maxim OO Pin)
Description
Thick-bodicd. Head not broader than neck; with a wide, shovel-shaped scale at the
Lip of the snout. Lye small but distinct; has vertical pupil ~ (unlike Diard’s Worm
Snake, whose eye is visible as a black dot). Very blunt tail with rounded ip resembles
the head — giving rise 16 the misbelief that it has two heads. Color variable: recdish-
‘brown, dark brown, speckled gray, yellow or black, sometimes with a bleek-bandec
tail. Belly waite, sg0zed with brown or entirely brown. (The tail of Diard's Worm
Snake ends in a small spine).
Sealation
Scales in 53-67 rows, weakly keeled (but smooth ro the touch). Ventrals 190-210,
distineriy narrower than widih of b partite (@ larger medien scale with
a smaller scale on each side); subcandals 20-34, entre. Supralabials 10-12; scales
between eyes (across foreliead) 6-9: scales around eye 10-11. Mental groove
present.
Natural History/ Behavior
Nectur places and sandy soil. Often lives in rocent burrows. Diet
and method of killing prey similar to tha: of the Common Sard Boa; also eats other
snakes, Females bear 6-8 live young with distinctly band
bodies, around June, Usually very docile.
tails, and sometimes
istribution
India: throughout drier zones of the peninsula und the
à Northwest, Also Pakistan and Nepal
”
Look-alikes
Diard's Worm Snake.
$6
Red Sand Boa
Fiyx johnit
$
E
El
8
2
2
2
Whitaker's Boa
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON IN PARTS OF RANCE, ArDini 100-1100 (
Maximum 790mm (in)
Deseription
Recently described species. Small eye has vertical pupi. Brown, blotched with
darker brown; similar in form and color to the Common Sand Boa, It difters in
having smooth or weakly kevled scales on lop of is head acd a blunt, rounded,
smooth- sealed “ai. (Ihe Common Sand Boa has distinctly keeled scales on top ofits
head and ar abrupt pointed, very rough tail. The overall appearance of Whitaker's
Sand Bes is smooth, whi‘e tha of the Common Saad Boa is rough).
Sealation
Seales in 50-54 rows, smooth or rarely weakly keeled. Veatrals 201-213, distincily
narrower than width of belly; anal tripartite (a larger median scale with 2 smaller
scale on each side); subcaudals 18-25, entire. Suoralabials 13-14; scales berween
eyes (across forehead) 8-9; scales around eye 10-11. Mental groove absent. Males
‘with a small spur on each side of the vent
Natural History? Behavior
Poorly known, Nocturnal. Hus been found ju areas of heavy rainfall and seems
‘0 climb well. One was seen in the hollow of a mango tree tha: was infested with
termites. Feeds on mice and Brook's Geckos in captivity. Up to 12 live young born
June-Augest in Mangalore,
Distribution
3 Encdemie 10 India. Presently reported from a tew localities
from sea level 10 at lest 625m (20500) along the Western
+, Ghats in Karnataka, Kecala, Goa and Maharashtre
ae
Look-alikes
Common Sand Ro
Indian Rock Python,
Rossell Viper.
90
Whitaker’s Boa
Exyx whitakert
El
2
3
El
El
El
=
&
5
8
g
E
4
A
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON IN PARTS OF RANCE, ArDini 100-1100 (
Maximum 790mm (in)
Deseription
Recently described species. Small eye has vertical pupi. Brown, blotched with
darker brown; similar in form and color to the Common Sand Boa, It difters in
having smooth or weakly kevled scales on lop of is head acd a blunt, rounded,
smooth- sealed “ai. (Ihe Common Sand Boa has distinctly keeled scales on top ofits
head and ar abrupt pointed, very rough tail. The overall appearance of Whitaker's
Sand Bes is smooth, whi‘e tha of the Common Saad Boa is rough).
Sealation
Seales in 50-54 rows, smooth or rarely weakly keeled. Veatrals 201-213, distincily
narrower than width of belly; anal tripartite (a larger median scale with 2 smaller
scale on each side); subcaudals 18-25, entire. Suoralabials 13-14; scales berween
eyes (across forehead) 8-9; scales around eye 10-11. Mental groove absent. Males
‘with a small spur on each side of the vent
Natural History? Behavior
Poorly known, Nocturnal. Hus been found ju areas of heavy rainfall and seems
‘0 climb well. One was seen in the hollow of a mango tree tha: was infested with
termites. Feeds on mice and Brook's Geckos in captivity. Up to 12 live young born
June-Augest in Mangalore,
Distribution
3 Encdemie 10 India. Presently reported from a tew localities
from sea level 10 at lest 625m (20500) along the Western
+, Ghats in Karnataka, Kecala, Goa and Maharashtre
ae
Look-alikes
Common Sand Ro
Indian Rock Python,
Rossell Viper.
90
Whitaker’s Boa
Exyx whitakert
El
2
3
El
El
El
=
&
5
8
g
E
4
A
Darjeeling Snail-eater
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Pareas macularius
ES
Deseript
Upper back scales very weakly keeled. Head slightly broader than neck; snout
rounded; body laterally flattened. Eye has vertical pupil. Gray or grayisn-brown
back, with narrow blue’ and white crosselines ar spots on sides of body. Lach spot is
‘on a single scale, which is white in front and black behind. White or yellow band on
neck sometimes present. Underside whitish with dark gray or black squerish spots.
Sealation
Seales in 15 : 1 : 15 rows,’smooth, upper rows very weakly keeled, vertebral not
enlarged. Vertrals: males 148-166, females 150-169; anal undivided: suheaudals:
“males 40-53, malos 37-51, pairod. Mental groove absent. Suprelabials 6 0: 7 (none
touching eye); preocular 1; postocular 1; subecular 1 (often united with postocular)
remportis 243.
Natural History! Behavior
Necturral and terrestrial. Inbabits hilly evergreen forests, Feeds on slugs ands
Lays up to 6 exes.
West Bengel (Gopaléham. Darjeeling district),
Sickim, possibly much of the Northeast. Also Myanmar,
2, Thailand and Laos,
ea
E i
Look-alikes
Other suail-eaters (nol covered
Cat snakes
sw
Morvan cesan
‘om (ia)
Pareas macularius
Darjeeling Snail-cater
NON VENOMOUS, ENCOMMON
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Pareas macularius
ES
Deseript
Upper back scales very weakly keeled. Head slightly broader than neck; snout
rounded; body laterally flattened. Eye has vertical pupil. Gray or grayisn-brown
back, with narrow blue’ and white crosselines ar spots on sides of body. Lach spot is
‘on a single scale, which is white in front and black behind. White or yellow band on
neck sometimes present. Underside whitish with dark gray or black squerish spots.
Sealation
Seales in 15 : 1 : 15 rows,’smooth, upper rows very weakly keeled, vertebral not
enlarged. Vertrals: males 148-166, females 150-169; anal undivided: suheaudals:
“males 40-53, malos 37-51, pairod. Mental groove absent. Suprelabials 6 0: 7 (none
touching eye); preocular 1; postocular 1; subecular 1 (often united with postocular)
remportis 243.
Natural History! Behavior
Necturral and terrestrial. Inbabits hilly evergreen forests, Feeds on slugs ands
Lays up to 6 exes.
West Bengel (Gopaléham. Darjeeling district),
Sickim, possibly much of the Northeast. Also Myanmar,
2, Thailand and Laos,
ea
E i
Look-alikes
Other suail-eaters (nol covered
Cat snakes
sw
Morvan cesan
‘om (ia)
Pareas macularius
Darjeeling Snail-cater
NON VENOMOUS, ENCOMMON
File Snake Acrochordus granuiatrs
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON AUDE 220324000 OE
Adie 1000mm (39:0)
Maxi 120mm (in)
Deseript
Stout body covered with small, rough, file-like scales, Skin loose/baggy. Head not
broader than neck; nostrils and extremely small eyes situated on upper surface
head. Belly scales not broader than adjacent body scales, Raised, rid
present along mid-line of belly. Tail shor’ and slightly flattered but not oar-like as
that of true sea snakes (Family Hydrophidae), Body marked with alternate dull, dark
‘gray end pale brown or off-white rings or cross-bands, Dark bands broadest on back
and narrower on sides of body. Fither dark or light color may predominate. Pat
sometimes indistinct in adults
Seal
Sceles small, granular and very rough, Nostrils on upper surface of saout, pointing
mainly upward. Mead covered with small granular scales, 8-11 scales on a line
between the eves; 14-22 supralabials; about 100 midbody scale rows: raised fold of
skin along the middle of the belly covered with small spinose scales.
Natural History/ Behavior
Nocturnal. Usually quiet and inoffensive. Almost helpless on land, Nostrils have
valves to prevent water entering. Feeds on fish. Bears 6-12 live young at a tine.
Females larger than males, Has roughly twice as much blood as a land ske of
the same size and high levels of red blood cells, hoch of which enable it to remain
submerged for lorg periods (captives have remained underwater for 139 minutes).
Distribution
India: coasts and river estuaries {including Andamars). Also
Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and much of Southeast
Asia; but because of habitat destruction, distribution not
continuous.
Hook-nosed Sea Srake.
Other banded sea snakes.
9%
ac
E
3
E
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
File Snake
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON AUDE 220324000 OE
Adie 1000mm (39:0)
Maxi 120mm (in)
Deseript
Stout body covered with small, rough, file-like scales, Skin loose/baggy. Head not
broader than neck; nostrils and extremely small eyes situated on upper surface
head. Belly scales not broader than adjacent body scales, Raised, rid
present along mid-line of belly. Tail shor’ and slightly flattered but not oar-like as
that of true sea snakes (Family Hydrophidae), Body marked with alternate dull, dark
‘gray end pale brown or off-white rings or cross-bands, Dark bands broadest on back
and narrower on sides of body. Fither dark or light color may predominate. Pat
sometimes indistinct in adults
Seal
Sceles small, granular and very rough, Nostrils on upper surface of saout, pointing
mainly upward. Mead covered with small granular scales, 8-11 scales on a line
between the eves; 14-22 supralabials; about 100 midbody scale rows: raised fold of
skin along the middle of the belly covered with small spinose scales.
Natural History/ Behavior
Nocturnal. Usually quiet and inoffensive. Almost helpless on land, Nostrils have
valves to prevent water entering. Feeds on fish. Bears 6-12 live young at a tine.
Females larger than males, Has roughly twice as much blood as a land ske of
the same size and high levels of red blood cells, hoch of which enable it to remain
submerged for lorg periods (captives have remained underwater for 139 minutes).
Distribution
India: coasts and river estuaries {including Andamars). Also
Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and much of Southeast
Asia; but because of habitat destruction, distribution not
continuous.
Hook-nosed Sea Srake.
Other banded sea snakes.
9%
ac
E
3
E
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
File Snake
Elaphe prasina
Description
Slender-hodied. Snout rounded. Eye has round pupil. Green (rarely turquoise) body.
Upper lip and underside lighter green than upper body. Skin betwen scales black or
‘ite, No black streak passing through’ behind eye, Tongue zeddis-brown, Youn
sometimes have bluck-cdged scales, Absence of black streak along side of head
x ales helps distinguish it from the Greer: Triuket Snake. Round eye
it from green pit vipers, all of which have vertical pupils
after Schulz)
Scales in 19 : 19 (17): 17 (15) rows, faintly heeled in adults, Ventrals 186-209 with
strong lateral keel; anal entire or divided; subeaudals 91-111, paired. Supralabials
9 rarely $ (4-6 touching eye): preocular 1; loreal present; postocalass 2; temporals
142,212.07 111
Natural History! Behavior
Mostly diumal and arboreal. Found near water in hill Zorests. Feeds on small
maramals ard also probably birds and lizanls. Constricts prey. Lays 5-8 eggs per
elutch,
Distribution
India: the Norihcast from West Bengal (Darceling district
É to eastern Arunechal Pradesh (Deban, Changlany district)
7 A record from Solar di imachal Pradesh necés
SM confirmation, Also China, Myanmar, Hanglaesh, Malaysia
Thailand and Vietnam. Found up to 2650m (86951). A
specimen in the Indian Museum from the Andaman Islands
is probably a
let in
Look-alikes
Khasi Hills Trinset Snake.
9R
ADULT Tas Dan Canina Coe op showin ol ke
RSH
Elaphe prasina
rcen Trinket Snake
(3. NON VENOMOUS, RARE
x
Description
Slender-hodied. Snout rounded. Eye has round pupil. Green (rarely turquoise) body.
Upper lip and underside lighter green than upper body. Skin betwen scales black or
‘ite, No black streak passing through’ behind eye, Tongue zeddis-brown, Youn
sometimes have bluck-cdged scales, Absence of black streak along side of head
x ales helps distinguish it from the Greer: Triuket Snake. Round eye
it from green pit vipers, all of which have vertical pupils
after Schulz)
Scales in 19 : 19 (17): 17 (15) rows, faintly heeled in adults, Ventrals 186-209 with
strong lateral keel; anal entire or divided; subeaudals 91-111, paired. Supralabials
9 rarely $ (4-6 touching eye): preocular 1; loreal present; postocalass 2; temporals
142,212.07 111
Natural History! Behavior
Mostly diumal and arboreal. Found near water in hill Zorests. Feeds on small
maramals ard also probably birds and lizanls. Constricts prey. Lays 5-8 eggs per
elutch,
Distribution
India: the Norihcast from West Bengal (Darceling district
É to eastern Arunechal Pradesh (Deban, Changlany district)
7 A record from Solar di imachal Pradesh necés
SM confirmation, Also China, Myanmar, Hanglaesh, Malaysia
Thailand and Vietnam. Found up to 2650m (86951). A
specimen in the Indian Museum from the Andaman Islands
is probably a
let in
Look-alikes
Khasi Hills Trinset Snake.
9R
ADULT Tas Dan Canina Coe op showin ol ke
RSH
Elaphe prasina
rcen Trinket Snake
(3. NON VENOMOUS, RARE
x
Khasi Hills Trinket Snake Elaphe_frenata
NON VENOMOUS, RARE ‘Adults 800-1000mm (32-390)
Maximum 150mm (in)
Description
Slender-bodied. Saout (wen viewed from side) wedge-shaped, Lye has round pupil
Grass» or olive green (rarely turquoise) back. Skin between scales dark blue-black.
sper lip and underside lighter green. A black streak along side of head above upper
lip scales (usually starting before the eye in Indian specimens) helps distinguish it
from the Green Trinket Snake. (Round eye pupil helps distinguish it from green pit
vipers, all of which have vertical pupils).
Scalation (after Schulz)
‘Scales in 19: 19 (17): 17 (15 or 13) rows, faintly kecled in adults. Ventrals 198-235
‘with strong lateral kec!; anal divided; subcaudals 118-149, paired. Supralabials $ or
9 (3 to 5° or ¿Mo 6" touching eye); prevcular 1; postoculars 2; temporals 252, 243
or 12, Lareul absent (used with prefrontal into a single shield),
Natural History/ Behavior
Poorly known. Azboreal. Found in shrubs, hamboo clumps and trees in mountain
forests. Feeds om lizards, rodents and birds, Kills prey by constriction. Waen
threatened, holds ground, strikes repeatedly and vibrates tail. Concave are
‘of eyes (as in vine snakes) suggests binocular vision.
Distribution
India: Meghalaya (Khasi Hills); Arunachal Pradesh
(Changlang district). Also China and Vietnam. Found from
+, 550-2000m (1800 65608)
Look-alikes
Green Trinket Snake,
100
y
y E
El
$
E
da
:
E
Is Trinket Snake
NON VENOMOUS, RARE
NON VENOMOUS, RARE ‘Adults 800-1000mm (32-390)
Maximum 150mm (in)
Description
Slender-bodied. Saout (wen viewed from side) wedge-shaped, Lye has round pupil
Grass» or olive green (rarely turquoise) back. Skin between scales dark blue-black.
sper lip and underside lighter green. A black streak along side of head above upper
lip scales (usually starting before the eye in Indian specimens) helps distinguish it
from the Green Trinket Snake. (Round eye pupil helps distinguish it from green pit
vipers, all of which have vertical pupils).
Scalation (after Schulz)
‘Scales in 19: 19 (17): 17 (15 or 13) rows, faintly kecled in adults. Ventrals 198-235
‘with strong lateral kec!; anal divided; subcaudals 118-149, paired. Supralabials $ or
9 (3 to 5° or ¿Mo 6" touching eye); prevcular 1; postoculars 2; temporals 252, 243
or 12, Lareul absent (used with prefrontal into a single shield),
Natural History/ Behavior
Poorly known. Azboreal. Found in shrubs, hamboo clumps and trees in mountain
forests. Feeds om lizards, rodents and birds, Kills prey by constriction. Waen
threatened, holds ground, strikes repeatedly and vibrates tail. Concave are
‘of eyes (as in vine snakes) suggests binocular vision.
Distribution
India: Meghalaya (Khasi Hills); Arunachal Pradesh
(Changlang district). Also China and Vietnam. Found from
+, 550-2000m (1800 65608)
Look-alikes
Green Trinket Snake,
100
y
y E
El
$
E
da
:
E
Is Trinket Snake
NON VENOMOUS, RARE
asi Hills Trinket Snake
Red-tailed Trinket Snake Cionyasoma oxycophalum
NON VENOMOUS, LNCOMMON Ar atehing 100-55im (167
Adults: 750mm (69a)
Maximum 2400mm (Sia)
Description
Body distinetly higher than wide. Large eye has round pupil, Green back, pale
‘greenish-yellow underside; tail reddish-brown; the two colors meet abruptly at vent.
Skin between upper body scales has small light and dark areas which outlize the
scales. Black stripe along side of head immediately above upper lip scales. Tongue
bluist-dlack
E
E
à
E
5
E
5
3
E
S
Sealation (atter Schulz)
Scales in 23 (rarely 25) ı 23 or 25 (rarely 27) : 15 rows, smooth, or very weakly
keeled in adults. Ventrals 230-263, with strong laterel keel; anal
120-157, paized. Supralabiais 9-11 rarcly 8 (5 nd 6" or 6*and 7, rarely 6*t0 YH or
‘5% w 7 touchiug eye); preocular 1; postoculars 9: temporals 243, 2-4, rarely 1+4,
Natural History/ Behavior
Arboreal, even metes on trees. l'ouné in bushes near brackishewater creeks; also
found ir hollows in tll ces. Very agile, able to catch fying birds; also cals bals und
small erboreal memenals. FF threatened, opens mouth, inflates Jorebody and forms a E
ready se ske” S shape. Reproduces throughout the ya, Lays 6-12 eggs 2
Distribution E
India: only in the Andarian Islands, Also through E
{ Southeast Asia. =
Lookalikes
None in range.
Red-tailed Trinket Suake
3 NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
104
NON VENOMOUS, LNCOMMON Ar atehing 100-55im (167
Adults: 750mm (69a)
Maximum 2400mm (Sia)
Description
Body distinetly higher than wide. Large eye has round pupil, Green back, pale
‘greenish-yellow underside; tail reddish-brown; the two colors meet abruptly at vent.
Skin between upper body scales has small light and dark areas which outlize the
scales. Black stripe along side of head immediately above upper lip scales. Tongue
bluist-dlack
E
E
à
E
5
E
5
3
E
S
Sealation (atter Schulz)
Scales in 23 (rarely 25) ı 23 or 25 (rarely 27) : 15 rows, smooth, or very weakly
keeled in adults. Ventrals 230-263, with strong laterel keel; anal
120-157, paized. Supralabiais 9-11 rarcly 8 (5 nd 6" or 6*and 7, rarely 6*t0 YH or
‘5% w 7 touchiug eye); preocular 1; postoculars 9: temporals 243, 2-4, rarely 1+4,
Natural History/ Behavior
Arboreal, even metes on trees. l'ouné in bushes near brackishewater creeks; also
found ir hollows in tll ces. Very agile, able to catch fying birds; also cals bals und
small erboreal memenals. FF threatened, opens mouth, inflates Jorebody and forms a E
ready se ske” S shape. Reproduces throughout the ya, Lays 6-12 eggs 2
Distribution E
India: only in the Andarian Islands, Also through E
{ Southeast Asia. =
Lookalikes
None in range.
Red-tailed Trinket Suake
3 NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
104
forebody (sometimes also midbody). Upper stripes broad, outer pair usually broken.
into elongated spots. Head copper brown with lack line across nape and three black
sircaks rum below and behind eve (uppermost streak joins black line
Underside uniform yellow or gray.
Copper-headed Trinket Snake Coelognathus radiatus y E
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON Fin 250 100 TA È
Adult 1500-1500: (59-71) El
ein Bem (lin) Pl
Description =
Grayishchrown, fawn, oF yellowish-brown back with four Slack stripes on the N
3
ape).
Sealation
Scales in 21 or 19 : 19: 17 rows, weakly keeled on back im adults, Ventrals 207-250
‘with strong leteral keel; anal entire; subcaudals 80-108, paired. Supralabiels 9 rarely
8 (4 10 6 or 2:10 5% touching eye); preocular 1; postoeulars 2; temporels uscally
Natural History/ Behavior
Diurnal. Though terrestrial, climbs and swvims well n open areas close
to forests. Eats small mamma's, lizards, binds and occasionally fogs. Breeds
throughout the year in warmer parts of range; lays 5-15 eggs. If comered, inflates
Torsbody vertically, forms a series ofS shaped curves and Ls off ground in defense,
Also may open mouth, Fiss, and site
Distribution
Indie: Uttaranchal (Dehra Dun) to Arunachal Pradesh
(Miao) along the Himalayas, paris of Machya Predesh
(Belaghad), Chattisgarh (Bastar), Orissa (Cuttack), West
Bengul and Sikkim. Also Bangladesh, Nepal and throughout
most of Southeast Asia, Found up to 1480m (48S5f),
Twoakeutikes
Other trinket snakes,
2
El
El
Ed
El
Él
3
=
3
a
$
g
$
El
z
3
E
106
into elongated spots. Head copper brown with lack line across nape and three black
sircaks rum below and behind eve (uppermost streak joins black line
Underside uniform yellow or gray.
Copper-headed Trinket Snake Coelognathus radiatus y E
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON Fin 250 100 TA È
Adult 1500-1500: (59-71) El
ein Bem (lin) Pl
Description =
Grayishchrown, fawn, oF yellowish-brown back with four Slack stripes on the N
3
ape).
Sealation
Scales in 21 or 19 : 19: 17 rows, weakly keeled on back im adults, Ventrals 207-250
‘with strong leteral keel; anal entire; subcaudals 80-108, paired. Supralabiels 9 rarely
8 (4 10 6 or 2:10 5% touching eye); preocular 1; postoeulars 2; temporels uscally
Natural History/ Behavior
Diurnal. Though terrestrial, climbs and swvims well n open areas close
to forests. Eats small mamma's, lizards, binds and occasionally fogs. Breeds
throughout the year in warmer parts of range; lays 5-15 eggs. If comered, inflates
Torsbody vertically, forms a series ofS shaped curves and Ls off ground in defense,
Also may open mouth, Fiss, and site
Distribution
Indie: Uttaranchal (Dehra Dun) to Arunachal Pradesh
(Miao) along the Himalayas, paris of Machya Predesh
(Belaghad), Chattisgarh (Bastar), Orissa (Cuttack), West
Bengul and Sikkim. Also Bangladesh, Nepal and throughout
most of Southeast Asia, Found up to 1480m (48S5f),
Twoakeutikes
Other trinket snakes,
2
El
El
Ed
El
Él
3
=
3
a
$
g
$
El
z
3
E
106
Black-tailed ‘Irinket Snake Coclognathus flavolineatus
NON VENOMOUS, CNCOMMON At natching 250-300 mn (10-121)
Mexiomur 1800 ma: (71)
Adults have
brown; hind body darker brown; rail black. Three black streaks behind eve. No
black cross-line on neck. Belly scales pale cream, scales under tail blackish-gray.
Young sometimes have yellow-ventered black spots on sides of forebody. If present
led scales, Nurrow head large eye has round pupil. Forebody light
in edults, spots entirely black, Distinct black tail aids identification. Specimens from
the Andamaos lack the yellow, black-edged back stripe that is found an those from
other parts of ils range
Sealation
Seales in 21 or 19: 19 : 17 rows, keeled (adults). Ventrals 195-242 with strong lateral
Keel: anal entire; suhcandalx 80-116, paired. Supralabials 9 (4* to 6° touching eye,
‘G*touchiag temporal); preocular 1; postaculars 2; temporals 242.
Natural History! Behavior
‘Though terrestrial, a good climber. Often active afer il rains, Also seen in the cool
hoves of the early morning and late evening. Lnters houses in search of chicken eggs.
Juveniles cat small rodents, fogs, and lizards; adults take larger rodents, birds and
bars, Constricts prey, Breeds throughout the year; S-12 eggs laid which batch in 60-
70 days. Detense behavior similer to that of other trinkets — body inflated vertically
rebody raised jnuo an S shape and moath opened. If further alarmed, may strike
Sorcefülly and repeatedly,
Distribution
India: the Andaman Islands. Also Tkeiland, Myanmar,
{ Malaysia, and western Indonesia
Toak-likes
None
108
sw
flavolineatus
Ej
8
Black-tailed Trinket Snake
3 NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
NON VENOMOUS, CNCOMMON At natching 250-300 mn (10-121)
Mexiomur 1800 ma: (71)
Adults have
brown; hind body darker brown; rail black. Three black streaks behind eve. No
black cross-line on neck. Belly scales pale cream, scales under tail blackish-gray.
Young sometimes have yellow-ventered black spots on sides of forebody. If present
led scales, Nurrow head large eye has round pupil. Forebody light
in edults, spots entirely black, Distinct black tail aids identification. Specimens from
the Andamaos lack the yellow, black-edged back stripe that is found an those from
other parts of ils range
Sealation
Seales in 21 or 19: 19 : 17 rows, keeled (adults). Ventrals 195-242 with strong lateral
Keel: anal entire; suhcandalx 80-116, paired. Supralabials 9 (4* to 6° touching eye,
‘G*touchiag temporal); preocular 1; postaculars 2; temporals 242.
Natural History! Behavior
‘Though terrestrial, a good climber. Often active afer il rains, Also seen in the cool
hoves of the early morning and late evening. Lnters houses in search of chicken eggs.
Juveniles cat small rodents, fogs, and lizards; adults take larger rodents, birds and
bars, Constricts prey, Breeds throughout the year; S-12 eggs laid which batch in 60-
70 days. Detense behavior similer to that of other trinkets — body inflated vertically
rebody raised jnuo an S shape and moath opened. If further alarmed, may strike
Sorcefülly and repeatedly,
Distribution
India: the Andaman Islands. Also Tkeiland, Myanmar,
{ Malaysia, and western Indonesia
Toak-likes
None
108
sw
flavolineatus
Ej
8
Black-tailed Trinket Snake
3 NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Common Trinket Snake Coclognathus heiena helena
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON Attaching 2500 (101)
Adulls 700mm (28in)
um 1680 (in)
Maxi
died. Seales of kind body and tail sometimes ke
and chocolate brown with two black stripes on neck and
on forebody; hindbody has two prominent dark brown or ble
ont til; belly pear! white
ed. Mostly tan or olive,
bands and/or checks
X stripes that continue
Scalation (after Schulz)
Midbody scales smooth,
1231027 (rarely 23 or 29) rows,
tail weakly keeled. Ventrals 210-244, angulate laterally,
divided); subeaudals 73-100, paired. Supralahials 8-11 (5
rarely 4 and 5% 4 to 6% Sto 7 touching eye; lest supe
temporals); preactlar 1; postoculars 2 (rarely 1) temporal:
les on hindbody and
bial below eye touching
243 or rarely 244.
Natural History/ Behavior
Active by day and night. In summer this species is found in termite mounds, rock
piles and crevices. During cooler months, it nay be seen en les
Often seen near, or in human habitation. Prefers rats, mice, and squirrels but also
cals lizards, frogs and snakes. Lays 6: (Year round in warmer paris of range).
When excited, coils forebady into a series of near vertical S shaped loops and opens
mouth; may also sis
{trees and bushes.
Distribution
ES Throughout India, up to Jammo & Kashmir (Poonch) in
the north, to Manipur and the Naga Hills in the Northeast,
à Also Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. An old record from
Pakistan needs confir
Look-alikes
Other trinket sal
Striped Keelback.
Beddome's Keelback,
no
Common Trinket Snake
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON Attaching 2500 (101)
Adulls 700mm (28in)
um 1680 (in)
Maxi
died. Seales of kind body and tail sometimes ke
and chocolate brown with two black stripes on neck and
on forebody; hindbody has two prominent dark brown or ble
ont til; belly pear! white
ed. Mostly tan or olive,
bands and/or checks
X stripes that continue
Scalation (after Schulz)
Midbody scales smooth,
1231027 (rarely 23 or 29) rows,
tail weakly keeled. Ventrals 210-244, angulate laterally,
divided); subeaudals 73-100, paired. Supralahials 8-11 (5
rarely 4 and 5% 4 to 6% Sto 7 touching eye; lest supe
temporals); preactlar 1; postoculars 2 (rarely 1) temporal:
les on hindbody and
bial below eye touching
243 or rarely 244.
Natural History/ Behavior
Active by day and night. In summer this species is found in termite mounds, rock
piles and crevices. During cooler months, it nay be seen en les
Often seen near, or in human habitation. Prefers rats, mice, and squirrels but also
cals lizards, frogs and snakes. Lays 6: (Year round in warmer paris of range).
When excited, coils forebady into a series of near vertical S shaped loops and opens
mouth; may also sis
{trees and bushes.
Distribution
ES Throughout India, up to Jammo & Kashmir (Poonch) in
the north, to Manipur and the Naga Hills in the Northeast,
à Also Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. An old record from
Pakistan needs confir
Look-alikes
Other trinket sal
Striped Keelback.
Beddome's Keelback,
no
Common Trinket Snake
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON
Montane Trinket Snake helena monticollaris
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON Adu length 100m (39H
Deseription
Slender-bodied. Seales of hind body and tail sometimes keeled. l'an or olive, and
chocolate brown with a banded forebody. The bands consist o several rows of large
pale yellow oval or round spots encircled with black. Hind body has lateral stripes,
Belly white, with a series of black (often bracket-shaped) markings on each side.
Sealation (after Schulz)
Midbody scales in 23 to 27 (rarely
23 0: 29) rows, smooth. Seales on hindbody and
‘ail weakly keeled, Ventrals 216-260, angulate “aterally: anal scale entire (rarely
divided); subeaudals 73-100, paired. Supralabials 8-11 (5% and 6% 6% and 7% or
rarely 4% and 5% 4" to 6% 5% 10 7° touching eye; last supralabial below eye touching,
teraporals); preoeular 1; postoculars 2 (rarely 1) remporals 212, 2-3, rarely 244,
Natural History Behavior
Poorly known. Active by day and night. In Maharashira, has been found in evergreen
foresis as well as towns (Lonavia). Captive specimens bave eaten rats and mice.
When excited, coils forebody into a series of near vertical S sheped loops and opens
mouth; may also suike repeatedly.
Distribution
EN Endemie to India. Westen Ghats (Tamil Nadu, Kerala,
Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa),
‘Common Trinket Snake
E
S
El
Montane Trinket Snake
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON Adu length 100m (39H
Deseription
Slender-bodied. Seales of hind body and tail sometimes keeled. l'an or olive, and
chocolate brown with a banded forebody. The bands consist o several rows of large
pale yellow oval or round spots encircled with black. Hind body has lateral stripes,
Belly white, with a series of black (often bracket-shaped) markings on each side.
Sealation (after Schulz)
Midbody scales in 23 to 27 (rarely
23 0: 29) rows, smooth. Seales on hindbody and
‘ail weakly keeled, Ventrals 216-260, angulate “aterally: anal scale entire (rarely
divided); subeaudals 73-100, paired. Supralabials 8-11 (5% and 6% 6% and 7% or
rarely 4% and 5% 4" to 6% 5% 10 7° touching eye; last supralabial below eye touching,
teraporals); preoeular 1; postoculars 2 (rarely 1) remporals 212, 2-3, rarely 244,
Natural History Behavior
Poorly known. Active by day and night. In Maharashira, has been found in evergreen
foresis as well as towns (Lonavia). Captive specimens bave eaten rats and mice.
When excited, coils forebody into a series of near vertical S sheped loops and opens
mouth; may also suike repeatedly.
Distribution
EN Endemie to India. Westen Ghats (Tamil Nadu, Kerala,
Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa),
‘Common Trinket Snake
E
S
El
Montane Trinket Snake
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON
Striped Trinket Snake Orthriophis taeniurus
YON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON Arhatching 200-450 (12-1811)
Maximum 180m (ir)
Deseription
Light gray, white or Erowr back, pallerned with black or dark brown. Only marking
on head is broad, black stripe behind eye. No collar on neck. Vorebody has a series
of large “buttertly-shaved” spots in the middle and smaller diamond-shaped spots on
sides. Markings break up on hind body. Hindbody has pale gray stripe bordered on
each side by a broad black stripe. Underside uniform yellowish-cream, sometimes
spored with black. (Ihe look-alike Copper-headed Trinket Snake has a thin, black
collar connected 10 each eye by a black line, in addition to the stripe behind euch
eye),
Scalation (after Schulz)
Seales in 23 : 23: 17 or 19 rows, smooth or weekly keeled. Ventrals 236-260, with
strong lateral kee’; anal scale divided; subeaudals 89-120. Supralabials 9, rarely 7 or
8 (4,5 oF 5, 6 touching eye); last labial below eve not touching temporals; preocular
1; subocular soretimes present, postoculars 2, varely 3: temporals grcatly variable
243, 343, rarely 312,2 4, 414 or 314.
Natural History Behavior
Active by day and night. Party arboreal. Found in mountains near water, edges of
forests, as well asin moist, dense vegetation. Also found near human habitation, may
er houses in search of rodents or birds. If zhreatened, inflates throat vertically, lis
forebody off ground into S shuped coils, opens mouth, hisses, and vibrates tail ts.
May also strike repeatedly. Lays 6-12 eggs.
Distribution
= India: sastem Ilimalayas — West Bengal (Darjeeling),
E Sikkkin:, Aruzechal Pradesh (Gandhigram). Found between
ps, 700-3100m (2300-10,170N). Also Chive, Myanmar and
F Thailand
Look-alikes
Copper-headed Trinket Srake.
114
(12180) maximum 1500
Orihriophis taeniurus yunnanensis
arching 300-450
Ai
ES
4
E
El
3
2
&
2
Striped Trinket Snake
YON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON Arhatching 200-450 (12-1811)
Maximum 180m (ir)
Deseription
Light gray, white or Erowr back, pallerned with black or dark brown. Only marking
on head is broad, black stripe behind eye. No collar on neck. Vorebody has a series
of large “buttertly-shaved” spots in the middle and smaller diamond-shaped spots on
sides. Markings break up on hind body. Hindbody has pale gray stripe bordered on
each side by a broad black stripe. Underside uniform yellowish-cream, sometimes
spored with black. (Ihe look-alike Copper-headed Trinket Snake has a thin, black
collar connected 10 each eye by a black line, in addition to the stripe behind euch
eye),
Scalation (after Schulz)
Seales in 23 : 23: 17 or 19 rows, smooth or weekly keeled. Ventrals 236-260, with
strong lateral kee’; anal scale divided; subeaudals 89-120. Supralabials 9, rarely 7 or
8 (4,5 oF 5, 6 touching eye); last labial below eve not touching temporals; preocular
1; subocular soretimes present, postoculars 2, varely 3: temporals grcatly variable
243, 343, rarely 312,2 4, 414 or 314.
Natural History Behavior
Active by day and night. Party arboreal. Found in mountains near water, edges of
forests, as well asin moist, dense vegetation. Also found near human habitation, may
er houses in search of rodents or birds. If zhreatened, inflates throat vertically, lis
forebody off ground into S shuped coils, opens mouth, hisses, and vibrates tail ts.
May also strike repeatedly. Lays 6-12 eggs.
Distribution
= India: sastem Ilimalayas — West Bengal (Darjeeling),
E Sikkkin:, Aruzechal Pradesh (Gandhigram). Found between
ps, 700-3100m (2300-10,170N). Also Chive, Myanmar and
F Thailand
Look-alikes
Copper-headed Trinket Srake.
114
(12180) maximum 1500
Orihriophis taeniurus yunnanensis
arching 300-450
Ai
ES
4
E
El
3
2
&
2
Striped Trinket Snake
Himalayan Trinket Snake Orthriophis hodgsonii
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON ‘At hatching 300m (12m)
Adults 1200-1600aum (47-63in)
Maximum 2100mm (83in)
Deseription
Si
nder-bodied, cales smoot or weakly keeled. Flongale head slightly broader than
neck; eye has round pupil, Yellowish- to olive-brown back; many scales edged with,
black or white, which grouped together form eross-bands or a mesh-like pettem.
Sometimes a central dark blotch on top of read. Lp scales and underside yellowisa.
Onter edges of belly sceles cistinetly Keeled (uraed upwards al u sharp angle),
sometimes edged or spotted wits black. Underside of wi reddish-brown to black
Some specinzens from Nepal are gray with an indistinet brown stripe on esch side
‘oF body. Juveniles may resemble adults (but with more distin markings on scale
‘edges they may be gray with thin black lines or have che miébody marked with four
rows ofeddisä-brown blotches ‘hat change into foar blac lines towerds tail
Sealation
Scales in 21 or 23 : 23 : 17 rows, smooth or faintly keelec. Ventrals 228-247 with
strong lateral keel; anel scale divided: subcaudals 72-92, paired. Supralabials $
rarely 9 (4% and 5%, 34 and 4°, 3 to 5*, or 4° to 6% touching eve); last supralabial
below eye not rouching temporals; one large preocular; rarely a small subocular in
front of preocular; postocula:s 2; temporals 242 or 2+3, arely 3+3, 1+3 or 24
Natural History! Behavior
Poorly known, Diumal, A montane form, found in moist deciduous forests, moist
¿ak forests, dry coniferous Zorests, near urban habitation und edges of agricultural
fields close to water. Feeds on rodents, toads and skinks. A captive snake laid and
guarded six eggs that hatched in about 130 days.
India: recorded from Jammu & Kashmir (near Kargil,
Ladakh, Srinagar. Poonch), aorthem Punjeb, Himachal
Pradesh (Shimla, Dheramshala), Ultarancial (Mussoorie,
Almora, Gerhwal, Nainitel), possibly northern Uttar
Pradesh and Bihur West Bengal (Darjeeling), Sikkim,
Meghalays. (Garo Ill). Outside India: Nepal and Tibet.
Found between 1000-3200 (3280-10,500R). Two records
of 4600m (15,090N) and 5000m (16,400) are possibly
correct and need confirmation,
Look-alikes
Common Trinket Snake,
16
mnt ruracx
Himalayan Trinket Snake
È
E
El
E
À
7
i
E
:
3
<
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON ‘At hatching 300m (12m)
Adults 1200-1600aum (47-63in)
Maximum 2100mm (83in)
Deseription
Si
nder-bodied, cales smoot or weakly keeled. Flongale head slightly broader than
neck; eye has round pupil, Yellowish- to olive-brown back; many scales edged with,
black or white, which grouped together form eross-bands or a mesh-like pettem.
Sometimes a central dark blotch on top of read. Lp scales and underside yellowisa.
Onter edges of belly sceles cistinetly Keeled (uraed upwards al u sharp angle),
sometimes edged or spotted wits black. Underside of wi reddish-brown to black
Some specinzens from Nepal are gray with an indistinet brown stripe on esch side
‘oF body. Juveniles may resemble adults (but with more distin markings on scale
‘edges they may be gray with thin black lines or have che miébody marked with four
rows ofeddisä-brown blotches ‘hat change into foar blac lines towerds tail
Sealation
Scales in 21 or 23 : 23 : 17 rows, smooth or faintly keelec. Ventrals 228-247 with
strong lateral keel; anel scale divided: subcaudals 72-92, paired. Supralabials $
rarely 9 (4% and 5%, 34 and 4°, 3 to 5*, or 4° to 6% touching eve); last supralabial
below eye not rouching temporals; one large preocular; rarely a small subocular in
front of preocular; postocula:s 2; temporals 242 or 2+3, arely 3+3, 1+3 or 24
Natural History! Behavior
Poorly known, Diumal, A montane form, found in moist deciduous forests, moist
¿ak forests, dry coniferous Zorests, near urban habitation und edges of agricultural
fields close to water. Feeds on rodents, toads and skinks. A captive snake laid and
guarded six eggs that hatched in about 130 days.
India: recorded from Jammu & Kashmir (near Kargil,
Ladakh, Srinagar. Poonch), aorthem Punjeb, Himachal
Pradesh (Shimla, Dheramshala), Ultarancial (Mussoorie,
Almora, Gerhwal, Nainitel), possibly northern Uttar
Pradesh and Bihur West Bengal (Darjeeling), Sikkim,
Meghalays. (Garo Ill). Outside India: Nepal and Tibet.
Found between 1000-3200 (3280-10,500R). Two records
of 4600m (15,090N) and 5000m (16,400) are possibly
correct and need confirmation,
Look-alikes
Common Trinket Snake,
16
mnt ruracx
Himalayan Trinket Snake
È
E
El
E
À
7
i
E
:
3
<
Eastern Trinket Snake ©:
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON “Athatching 380mm (1513)
Adult * 500-1600 (59-63in)
Masimum 960mm (
Description
Seales smooth or weukly kecled. Head elongete, sligatly broader than neck: eye
often red with round lack pupil. Forcbody pattern distnetly different to rest of
body and til. Forebody grayist- or yellowish-brown, boldly marked with a series
of single or puied, dark or rcdishr brown oval or squersh blotches on midhuck;
sige of body has smaller spot th terna wit those on the back; iterscle skin
and some scale edges white, Rest of upper body and til yellowish-brown, dark
gray or biack with nastow eross-bands that are white, yellowish-brown ur black
(sometimes with red centers). Top of head uniform olive brown or gray. Lip scales
paler, sometime yellow or redcish. Urdersido of head yellow to orange. Belly sa.es
‘nally yellowish, bluish-gray towends the tail, underside of tail sometimes piak.
Scales 01 belly and under tal sometimes spotted with brow: or black. Occasionally
vnderside estirely dark brown or black. Colors and patre-n dull on older snakes.
Scalation
Scales in 19 or 21 : 19 oF 21 : 17 rows, sıncodh or faintly keeled. Ventrals 212-236,
lateraily keeled; anal usual'y undivided; subcaudlals 62-88, paires. Supralabials $ or
944. 5 or 3-5 :ouching eye); lest supralabial below eye not toucting temporals; one
large preocular; often with a subocular and sometimes an additional presuboeular:
postoculars 2; temporals 212 or 243.
Natural History! Behavior
Poorly known in the wid, Mainly active in the early moming, Has been found
in dense primary montane forests, secondary foress, near houses and agricultural
fields. Mosiy temes, Captive specimens fed on subadult mice. killing by
constriction. Lays 5-10 eggs Tune-Tuly, Eggs hatched in 84-102 days at incubation
temperature oF 24° 10 30°C
Distribution
= India: West Bengal (around Darjeeling), Sikkin,
Meghalays, Nagalené and Arunachal Pradesh. Also Nepal
and Myanmar, Between 1000-2300 (3280-7550)
Look-alikes
Other trinket snakes.
TS
Orthriophis cantoris
ES
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON “Athatching 380mm (1513)
Adult * 500-1600 (59-63in)
Masimum 960mm (
Description
Seales smooth or weukly kecled. Head elongete, sligatly broader than neck: eye
often red with round lack pupil. Forcbody pattern distnetly different to rest of
body and til. Forebody grayist- or yellowish-brown, boldly marked with a series
of single or puied, dark or rcdishr brown oval or squersh blotches on midhuck;
sige of body has smaller spot th terna wit those on the back; iterscle skin
and some scale edges white, Rest of upper body and til yellowish-brown, dark
gray or biack with nastow eross-bands that are white, yellowish-brown ur black
(sometimes with red centers). Top of head uniform olive brown or gray. Lip scales
paler, sometime yellow or redcish. Urdersido of head yellow to orange. Belly sa.es
‘nally yellowish, bluish-gray towends the tail, underside of tail sometimes piak.
Scales 01 belly and under tal sometimes spotted with brow: or black. Occasionally
vnderside estirely dark brown or black. Colors and patre-n dull on older snakes.
Scalation
Scales in 19 or 21 : 19 oF 21 : 17 rows, sıncodh or faintly keeled. Ventrals 212-236,
lateraily keeled; anal usual'y undivided; subcaudlals 62-88, paires. Supralabials $ or
944. 5 or 3-5 :ouching eye); lest supralabial below eye not toucting temporals; one
large preocular; often with a subocular and sometimes an additional presuboeular:
postoculars 2; temporals 212 or 243.
Natural History! Behavior
Poorly known in the wid, Mainly active in the early moming, Has been found
in dense primary montane forests, secondary foress, near houses and agricultural
fields. Mosiy temes, Captive specimens fed on subadult mice. killing by
constriction. Lays 5-10 eggs Tune-Tuly, Eggs hatched in 84-102 days at incubation
temperature oF 24° 10 30°C
Distribution
= India: West Bengal (around Darjeeling), Sikkin,
Meghalays, Nagalené and Arunachal Pradesh. Also Nepal
and Myanmar, Between 1000-2300 (3280-7550)
Look-alikes
Other trinket snakes.
TS
Orthriophis cantoris
ES
Hlaphe porphyracea*
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON Athatching 250-300n:m (10-12
{Ads 800-900nem (32-25in)
Maximun 1200 (din)
Deseri
Strikingly colored. Eye has round pupil. Pink, red or reddish-brown above,
broed, darker pink cross-bands bordered by thin black cross-lines, Hindbody has two
additional narrow black stripes. Head has three narrow black lines; the two that start
behind eye join first black cross-line on neck. Young have entirely black bands with
white or yellow edges. Underside glossy white, "OF the sever subspecies known,
only one (Elaphe porphyracea porply;racea) is found in India.
Scalation (after Schulz)
Scales ix 19 : 19: 17 or 15 rows, smooth (sometimes very weakly keeled on back)
Ventrals 179-217, no: angulate laterally; enal scale divided; subeaadals 2-80,
paized, Supralasials 7-8, rarely 9 or 10 (49 and 5%, rarely 30 and 4°, 5% and 6% or
28 to 6% touching eye); last labial below eye not touching temporals; preocular 1;
postoculars 2; temporals 142, rarely 1-3.
Natural History/ Behavior (after Schulz)
Active in the early morniag and evening, Tenesuial, meinly found in tropical
mountain forests along edges of low, dense vegetation, Feeds on small mammoals
like shrews and mice. Lays 3-7 eggs in June or July, which hatch in 50-60 days.
When stressed, may coil ail and hindbody like a fat watch spring. Secretive and
inoMersive.
Distribution
India: from Sikkia and West Bengal (Darjeeling district)
to Manipur, Megheleya, Nagaland and Arunacha’ Pradesh
gs, Also Chica, Nepal, Myanmar, ‘Uhailand, Malaysia, and
27 Sumaua. Found from 1000-2600m (3280-85308),
Took-alikes
None.
#The yererie name Oreophts (proposed by Uti
Oreophis boulengeri Dugès 1897, a synonym of Lampropeltis mexicana (German).
This species should be referred to Elaphe pending further action (N. Helteaberger
and E Tillack, i Hit.
120
Banded Trinket Snake
Elaphe porphyracea
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON Athatching 250-300n:m (10-12
{Ads 800-900nem (32-25in)
Maximun 1200 (din)
Deseri
Strikingly colored. Eye has round pupil. Pink, red or reddish-brown above,
broed, darker pink cross-bands bordered by thin black cross-lines, Hindbody has two
additional narrow black stripes. Head has three narrow black lines; the two that start
behind eye join first black cross-line on neck. Young have entirely black bands with
white or yellow edges. Underside glossy white, "OF the sever subspecies known,
only one (Elaphe porphyracea porply;racea) is found in India.
Scalation (after Schulz)
Scales ix 19 : 19: 17 or 15 rows, smooth (sometimes very weakly keeled on back)
Ventrals 179-217, no: angulate laterally; enal scale divided; subeaadals 2-80,
paized, Supralasials 7-8, rarely 9 or 10 (49 and 5%, rarely 30 and 4°, 5% and 6% or
28 to 6% touching eye); last labial below eye not touching temporals; preocular 1;
postoculars 2; temporals 142, rarely 1-3.
Natural History/ Behavior (after Schulz)
Active in the early morniag and evening, Tenesuial, meinly found in tropical
mountain forests along edges of low, dense vegetation, Feeds on small mammoals
like shrews and mice. Lays 3-7 eggs in June or July, which hatch in 50-60 days.
When stressed, may coil ail and hindbody like a fat watch spring. Secretive and
inoMersive.
Distribution
India: from Sikkia and West Bengal (Darjeeling district)
to Manipur, Megheleya, Nagaland and Arunacha’ Pradesh
gs, Also Chica, Nepal, Myanmar, ‘Uhailand, Malaysia, and
27 Sumaua. Found from 1000-2600m (3280-85308),
Took-alikes
None.
#The yererie name Oreophts (proposed by Uti
Oreophis boulengeri Dugès 1897, a synonym of Lampropeltis mexicana (German).
This species should be referred to Elaphe pending further action (N. Helteaberger
and E Tillack, i Hit.
120
Banded Trinket Snake
Elaphe porphyracea
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
‘Mandarin Trinket Snake Euprepiophis mandarinus
NON VENOMOUS, RARE At hatciog 300010 (120)
Ais 1000-1200ma (39-47)
Maxime 1740nam (Gin)
Description
Short heed, very slightly broader than neck; snoul rounded; wil short, Upper body
«olor variable, but pattern aids identification. Shades of gray or brown above, with a
series of large black, diamond-shaped marks that enclose oval, rounded oz squarish
yellow spots. Black marks have aarrow yellow outer margins. Head has three black
markings—a bard across srout, a crescent-shaped mark that passes through eye after
‘which it divides into two, and a forward-pointing A sheped rar on neck. Underside
ivory-white or yellow with large black rectangular spots which join or alternate.
Easily mistaken for a kukri snake (Ofigodon spp.) because of head pattern.
Sealation (after Schulz)
Seales 23 or 21 : 23 or 21 : 19 or 17 (rarely 21) rows, mostly smooth (rarely some
weakly keeled), Ventrals 200-241; anal divided; subcaudals 59-82, paired. Rostral
large; supralabials 7 (3" and 4* touching eye) or 8 (4* and 3° touching eve) rarely 6;
loreal very small, or absent; preocular 1; pos! iemporals 242 or 243.
Natural History? Behavior
Active in the moming and early evening. Inhabits subtropical and montane forests.
Fouad oa forest paths, in rocky arcas with dense vegetation, rubble, holes in the
ground and agricultural areas. Lats mice and shrews. Secretive, eaters rodent
‘burrows to eat newborn rodents. Prey grasped and constricted with one or two body
coils. May also press prey against firm object until prey dicx, Vales grasp females by
the neck while mating. Lays 6-10 eggs. Ifthrestened, may vibrate tail and/or bite.
Distribution
Indie: only recorded from eastem Arunachal Pradesh
(Changlang district) between SOÚm-3000m (1640-98408),
+, Also Myanmar, China and Taiwan.
Look-alikes
Juvenile King Cobre.
is mandarinus.
=
Mandarin
NON VENOMOUS, RARE At hatciog 300010 (120)
Ais 1000-1200ma (39-47)
Maxime 1740nam (Gin)
Description
Short heed, very slightly broader than neck; snoul rounded; wil short, Upper body
«olor variable, but pattern aids identification. Shades of gray or brown above, with a
series of large black, diamond-shaped marks that enclose oval, rounded oz squarish
yellow spots. Black marks have aarrow yellow outer margins. Head has three black
markings—a bard across srout, a crescent-shaped mark that passes through eye after
‘which it divides into two, and a forward-pointing A sheped rar on neck. Underside
ivory-white or yellow with large black rectangular spots which join or alternate.
Easily mistaken for a kukri snake (Ofigodon spp.) because of head pattern.
Sealation (after Schulz)
Seales 23 or 21 : 23 or 21 : 19 or 17 (rarely 21) rows, mostly smooth (rarely some
weakly keeled), Ventrals 200-241; anal divided; subcaudals 59-82, paired. Rostral
large; supralabials 7 (3" and 4* touching eye) or 8 (4* and 3° touching eve) rarely 6;
loreal very small, or absent; preocular 1; pos! iemporals 242 or 243.
Natural History? Behavior
Active in the moming and early evening. Inhabits subtropical and montane forests.
Fouad oa forest paths, in rocky arcas with dense vegetation, rubble, holes in the
ground and agricultural areas. Lats mice and shrews. Secretive, eaters rodent
‘burrows to eat newborn rodents. Prey grasped and constricted with one or two body
coils. May also press prey against firm object until prey dicx, Vales grasp females by
the neck while mating. Lays 6-10 eggs. Ifthrestened, may vibrate tail and/or bite.
Distribution
Indie: only recorded from eastem Arunachal Pradesh
(Changlang district) between SOÚm-3000m (1640-98408),
+, Also Myanmar, China and Taiwan.
Look-alikes
Juvenile King Cobre.
is mandarinus.
=
Mandarin
EN CE
Indian Rat Snake Piyas mucosa
NONVENOMOUS, COMMON “At hatching 320-4705
Al
Piyas mucosa
Description
cales smooth or keeled (upper rows). Head broader than neck. Large eye has round
pupil. Varies greatly in color. Pale yellow, olive, brown, gray or black. Body lightly
or strongly marked with black; markings usually distinct on tai, Lip scales usuelly
separated by vertical black lines. Underside often has prominent dark eross-bars.
Sealation
Scales in 17, 18 or 19 : 17 or 16 : 14 rows, smooth or upper rows more or less
distinedly kected. Ventrals 190-213; anal scale civided; subcaudels 100-146, paired
Normally 2 or 3 loreals and a presaboculas
/ Behavior |
Very fast. An alert, active, diurnal hunter, Climbs well. Inhabits a wide
habitats — coastal, atid, wet, mountainous, open fields as well as forests, Rat holes
and termite mounds are preferred del paddy fields, high grass, trees,
storage places, and houses. Feeds on frogs, toads, lizards, birds, rats, bats, snakes and
in one case a young tortoise. Rat snakes do not constrict but subdue larger prey by
holding it down. Pressure is applied until dhe animal is still. Smaller prey is simply
swallowed alive. Clutches of 8-22 eggs usually laid between March September
(sometimes in winter months). Usually quick to escape. If cornered, will inflate
throat and forebody, emit a moan or growl, and strike vigorously. Large rat snakes
can inf painful (though harmless) bites, but calm down with gentie hardling,
See
Ar hatching 320-2701mm (13 IP a
Distribution
y Throughout South and Southeast Asia, trom sea level to
% 4000m (13.1208),
Look-alikes
Cobras.
Banded Racer.
Indo-Chinese Rat Srake.
King Cobra,
Indian Rat Snake
NON VENOMOLS, COMMON
=
Indian Rat Snake Piyas mucosa
NONVENOMOUS, COMMON “At hatching 320-4705
Al
Piyas mucosa
Description
cales smooth or keeled (upper rows). Head broader than neck. Large eye has round
pupil. Varies greatly in color. Pale yellow, olive, brown, gray or black. Body lightly
or strongly marked with black; markings usually distinct on tai, Lip scales usuelly
separated by vertical black lines. Underside often has prominent dark eross-bars.
Sealation
Scales in 17, 18 or 19 : 17 or 16 : 14 rows, smooth or upper rows more or less
distinedly kected. Ventrals 190-213; anal scale civided; subcaudels 100-146, paired
Normally 2 or 3 loreals and a presaboculas
/ Behavior |
Very fast. An alert, active, diurnal hunter, Climbs well. Inhabits a wide
habitats — coastal, atid, wet, mountainous, open fields as well as forests, Rat holes
and termite mounds are preferred del paddy fields, high grass, trees,
storage places, and houses. Feeds on frogs, toads, lizards, birds, rats, bats, snakes and
in one case a young tortoise. Rat snakes do not constrict but subdue larger prey by
holding it down. Pressure is applied until dhe animal is still. Smaller prey is simply
swallowed alive. Clutches of 8-22 eggs usually laid between March September
(sometimes in winter months). Usually quick to escape. If cornered, will inflate
throat and forebody, emit a moan or growl, and strike vigorously. Large rat snakes
can inf painful (though harmless) bites, but calm down with gentie hardling,
See
Ar hatching 320-2701mm (13 IP a
Distribution
y Throughout South and Southeast Asia, trom sea level to
% 4000m (13.1208),
Look-alikes
Cobras.
Banded Racer.
Indo-Chinese Rat Srake.
King Cobra,
Indian Rat Snake
NON VENOMOLS, COMMON
=
Mi 2680n:m (196in)
Description
Seales smooth or weakly keeled. Head broader than neck. La:ge eye has round pupil
outlined by a ditinet broed, black ring (the eye of the India Rat Snake has no such,
Forebody olive green or yellowish-brown; hindbody brown with black-
yped scales. Underside yellow'sh-white, sometimes edged with black,
Young olive green with yellow or white, narrow, dovted cross-ines
Sealation
Scales in 15 : 15 rarely 13 or 17): 11 rows; smooth, or weuhly keeled on hindbody.
Ventrals 160-187; wnul scale divided; subcaudals 120-151, paired. Normally 2 or
3 lorzals and a presubocular: supralabials 7 or $ (3% and 4* or 49 and 5* touching
Natural History/ Behavior
‘Diurnal. Both arboreal and terrestrial Found in forests as well near humen habitation.
Sleeps on bushes and trees. Eats rodents, birds, lizards, and frogs. Females lay 4-12
eggs in Juce-Iuly.
Distribution
N Iola: the Nocbeat, Also yan, China, Hain
. Masia Singgore Tasa, ad Bali our u o 3000m
RR
Look-alikes
Indian Rat Snake
Kiry Cobra.
Piyas horros
Indo-Chinese Rat Snake
NON VENOMG
É
E
3
E
IS, COMMON
Description
Seales smooth or weakly keeled. Head broader than neck. La:ge eye has round pupil
outlined by a ditinet broed, black ring (the eye of the India Rat Snake has no such,
Forebody olive green or yellowish-brown; hindbody brown with black-
yped scales. Underside yellow'sh-white, sometimes edged with black,
Young olive green with yellow or white, narrow, dovted cross-ines
Sealation
Scales in 15 : 15 rarely 13 or 17): 11 rows; smooth, or weuhly keeled on hindbody.
Ventrals 160-187; wnul scale divided; subcaudals 120-151, paired. Normally 2 or
3 lorzals and a presubocular: supralabials 7 or $ (3% and 4* or 49 and 5* touching
Natural History/ Behavior
‘Diurnal. Both arboreal and terrestrial Found in forests as well near humen habitation.
Sleeps on bushes and trees. Eats rodents, birds, lizards, and frogs. Females lay 4-12
eggs in Juce-Iuly.
Distribution
N Iola: the Nocbeat, Also yan, China, Hain
. Masia Singgore Tasa, ad Bali our u o 3000m
RR
Look-alikes
Indian Rat Snake
Kiry Cobra.
Piyas horros
Indo-Chinese Rat Snake
NON VENOMG
É
E
3
E
IS, COMMON
Green Rat Snake
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Description
Upper scale rows Seeled, Head broader then neck. Large eye has rourd pusil, Head
brown. Forebody has green scales edged wit: black; rest of body and tail lined with
bold black and yellowish-orown stripes that finally turn black and white. One of th
y herpetologists of his time, Frank Wall wrote of this species, “Iti difficult
um specimens Ihe extreme beauty and brillianey of coloring of
many snakes in life, and this forcibly applies in the present instance, My spect
was a bright green of so soft a hue that the skin looked like velvet cruel
a yellowish greer anteriorly, and yellow posteriory, the latter merging into a rich
black on the tal. The black mangins to the scales served :0 enlance the beauty of
the dorsal green. The head wes olive-brown with a bright yellow patch low on the
temporal region, The chin and throat were white, sparsely speckled at first, more
heavily later, with ‘ight enerulcan blue, which merged to blue-green, then pale
‘greenish, and finally, yellow in the length of the snake. Some gray speckling was
seen beneath the tail.
va
ss
Scalation
Scales in 18 or 16: 16 or 14 : 14 rows,
scale divided; subcaudels 120-142, paired.
upper rows keeled), Vertra 189-209; anal
pralabials 8 (4% and 5% touching eve)
preveular 1; presubocular 1; postocula:s.
rarely 9 (5° and 6* touching eye): loreal 1
2: temporals 2+2.
AX
"Ses
Poorly know. Eats frogs. Six captive juveniles all accepced frogs but <efused small
ne
À
4
k
y
y
#
y
N
N
Kl
#
y
XA
Distribution
A
India: the Northeast from Sikkim and Darjeeling to
Arunachal Pradesh, Also Nepal, Bhutar, China, Myanmar,
ge td Bangladesh. Found up (o 2134m 70008)
Chang isis, Arch Trades
Look-alikes
None.
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
130
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Description
Upper scale rows Seeled, Head broader then neck. Large eye has rourd pusil, Head
brown. Forebody has green scales edged wit: black; rest of body and tail lined with
bold black and yellowish-orown stripes that finally turn black and white. One of th
y herpetologists of his time, Frank Wall wrote of this species, “Iti difficult
um specimens Ihe extreme beauty and brillianey of coloring of
many snakes in life, and this forcibly applies in the present instance, My spect
was a bright green of so soft a hue that the skin looked like velvet cruel
a yellowish greer anteriorly, and yellow posteriory, the latter merging into a rich
black on the tal. The black mangins to the scales served :0 enlance the beauty of
the dorsal green. The head wes olive-brown with a bright yellow patch low on the
temporal region, The chin and throat were white, sparsely speckled at first, more
heavily later, with ‘ight enerulcan blue, which merged to blue-green, then pale
‘greenish, and finally, yellow in the length of the snake. Some gray speckling was
seen beneath the tail.
va
ss
Scalation
Scales in 18 or 16: 16 or 14 : 14 rows,
scale divided; subcaudels 120-142, paired.
upper rows keeled), Vertra 189-209; anal
pralabials 8 (4% and 5% touching eve)
preveular 1; presubocular 1; postocula:s.
rarely 9 (5° and 6* touching eye): loreal 1
2: temporals 2+2.
AX
"Ses
Poorly know. Eats frogs. Six captive juveniles all accepced frogs but <efused small
ne
À
4
k
y
y
#
y
N
N
Kl
#
y
XA
Distribution
A
India: the Northeast from Sikkim and Darjeeling to
Arunachal Pradesh, Also Nepal, Bhutar, China, Myanmar,
ge td Bangladesh. Found up (o 2134m 70008)
Chang isis, Arch Trades
Look-alikes
None.
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
130
Glossy-bellied Racer
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Coluber ventromaculatus
Maximam 126mm on)
Description
Long, smooth-scaled; stouter than the Eastern Clift Racer. Head distinctly broader
than neck; lacge eye has round pupil. Tal long and thin. Pale grayish-white, sand
colored or pale reddish-brown hack with zigzag, short, darker grayish-brown cross-
hands of variable width — formed by brown or gray scales, edged with black. Head
evenly marked with brown or gray; nape usually has short black vertebral tr
Smaller spots on sides of body alternate with markings on back and may exterd
Lo outer edges of belly scales. Pattern indistinct on hind body ard tail. Underside
lustros, pearly white.
Scalation
‘Scales in 19 : 19: 13 or 15 rows, smooth. Ventrals angulate laterally: males 195-209,
females 199-213; anal divided; subcaudals paired: males 108-115, females 97-106.
Supralbials 9, rarely 8 (5° and 6° touching eye); preoculars 2; postoculars 2-3:
temporals usually.2 3,
Natural History/ Behavior
Diurnal erepuscular; occasionally found at right. Mostly terrestrial, sometimes seen
on low bushes, Found in sandy desert areas and adjacent patches of serub, even
Euphorbia clumps. Eats geckos, lizards, and small mammals (mice, shrews, bats).
Hibernates during colder months. Lays 6-10 eggs around May-June that harch in
July-August, Bites may cause pain, bleeding and swelling,
Distribution
India: Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan (Sikar); Gujarat
>: (Khandesh). Records from Uttaranchal (Almora) need io
bbe confirmed as this species is not a highland form. Also
Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Israel, Found at low altitudes,
usually below 200m (6508).
Look-alikes
Lester Cliff Racer,
Indian Rat Snake.
Banded Racer.
Sind Awl-headed Snake.
14
rar tune
Coluber ventromaculatus
Glossy-bellied Racer
E
E
z
E
5
&
5
El
El
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Coluber ventromaculatus
Maximam 126mm on)
Description
Long, smooth-scaled; stouter than the Eastern Clift Racer. Head distinctly broader
than neck; lacge eye has round pupil. Tal long and thin. Pale grayish-white, sand
colored or pale reddish-brown hack with zigzag, short, darker grayish-brown cross-
hands of variable width — formed by brown or gray scales, edged with black. Head
evenly marked with brown or gray; nape usually has short black vertebral tr
Smaller spots on sides of body alternate with markings on back and may exterd
Lo outer edges of belly scales. Pattern indistinct on hind body ard tail. Underside
lustros, pearly white.
Scalation
‘Scales in 19 : 19: 13 or 15 rows, smooth. Ventrals angulate laterally: males 195-209,
females 199-213; anal divided; subcaudals paired: males 108-115, females 97-106.
Supralbials 9, rarely 8 (5° and 6° touching eye); preoculars 2; postoculars 2-3:
temporals usually.2 3,
Natural History/ Behavior
Diurnal erepuscular; occasionally found at right. Mostly terrestrial, sometimes seen
on low bushes, Found in sandy desert areas and adjacent patches of serub, even
Euphorbia clumps. Eats geckos, lizards, and small mammals (mice, shrews, bats).
Hibernates during colder months. Lays 6-10 eggs around May-June that harch in
July-August, Bites may cause pain, bleeding and swelling,
Distribution
India: Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan (Sikar); Gujarat
>: (Khandesh). Records from Uttaranchal (Almora) need io
bbe confirmed as this species is not a highland form. Also
Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Israel, Found at low altitudes,
usually below 200m (6508).
Look-alikes
Lester Cliff Racer,
Indian Rat Snake.
Banded Racer.
Sind Awl-headed Snake.
14
rar tune
Coluber ventromaculatus
Glossy-bellied Racer
E
E
z
E
5
&
5
El
El
Os u
Eastern Cliff Racer Coluber ladacensis
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON Masianum 108m (ET)
a 3
Description E
Tong, smooth-scaled: more slencer than the Glossy-bellied Racer Head cistinetly
broader than neck; large eye has rourd pupil. Tail long and thin, Pale gray, brownish:
gray or olive back, Nape usually has 1-2 short eross-bands. Forebody has zigzag,
indistinct, short darkor grayish-hrown cross-bands, or alternating spots, Side of body
has smaller spots. Hind body ard tail unmarked, Pale yellow or white color of ip
scales borders eye, both in front and behind. Indistinet band (same color as top of
head) below eye. Underside white, usually with dark spots at outer edges.
Mo
Scalation
Scales in 19:19:13 or 11 rows, smooth. Ventrals 201:
93-148, paired. Supralabiale 9, rarely 8 (S! and 6* to
postoculars 2 or 3; temporals usually 243,
anal divided, subceudals
Wg eye); precculars 2:
Natural History! Behavior
Diurnal, Found in rocky areas near cliffs and canyons, sometimes in village houses
Eats geckos, lizards, small mammals, small birds and -heir eggs. Lays 8 eggs in
May-June. Bites may causo pain and swelling.
Distribution
India: Jamenu & Kashmir. A hill snake, found between 350m
to 3000m (1150-98408), Also Pakistan to Turkmenistan
Loolcalikes
Glossy-bellied Racer
Mountain Racer (not featured),
Trdiar Rat Snake.
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Eastern Cliff Racer
136
Eastern Cliff Racer Coluber ladacensis
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON Masianum 108m (ET)
a 3
Description E
Tong, smooth-scaled: more slencer than the Glossy-bellied Racer Head cistinetly
broader than neck; large eye has rourd pupil. Tail long and thin, Pale gray, brownish:
gray or olive back, Nape usually has 1-2 short eross-bands. Forebody has zigzag,
indistinct, short darkor grayish-hrown cross-bands, or alternating spots, Side of body
has smaller spots. Hind body ard tail unmarked, Pale yellow or white color of ip
scales borders eye, both in front and behind. Indistinet band (same color as top of
head) below eye. Underside white, usually with dark spots at outer edges.
Mo
Scalation
Scales in 19:19:13 or 11 rows, smooth. Ventrals 201:
93-148, paired. Supralabiale 9, rarely 8 (S! and 6* to
postoculars 2 or 3; temporals usually 243,
anal divided, subceudals
Wg eye); precculars 2:
Natural History! Behavior
Diurnal, Found in rocky areas near cliffs and canyons, sometimes in village houses
Eats geckos, lizards, small mammals, small birds and -heir eggs. Lays 8 eggs in
May-June. Bites may causo pain and swelling.
Distribution
India: Jamenu & Kashmir. A hill snake, found between 350m
to 3000m (1150-98408), Also Pakistan to Turkmenistan
Loolcalikes
Glossy-bellied Racer
Mountain Racer (not featured),
Trdiar Rat Snake.
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Eastern Cliff Racer
136
Banded Racer
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON®
Masxicaura 1347 (Sin)
Description
Seales smooth, Light or dark brown. Snout tapered. Young wit brilliant white head
‘markings and bright white cross-Sands. Adults usually without bands. Belly white
or yellowishewhite
Sealation
Scales in 23 or 21 : 23 or 21 : 17 or 15 rows, smooth, Ventrals 191-232, obtusely
angulare laterally; anal divided: subcaudals 77-92, paired. Usually a presubocular,
iporals 2-3 or 3+3: supralabials 8 rarely 9 (4* and 5° touching eye)
Natural History? Beh
Diurnal, Fouad ir rodent burrows, rock piles, and heavy brush. Young eat iaseets and
frags; adults eat field mice and metad rats that are killed by constriction or applying,
body pressure, In South India, 2-6 eggs laid in October. If threatened or eaptued,
may flatten forebody to display u narrow “iiood” causing some to mistake it For a
cobra.
Distribution
Sur India: throughout mosLof the peninsular plains (from Baroda
to Gwalior) to the Himalayas (south of Nepal); in the east ro
West Bengal south to Tisunelveli (except southeast coast)
"Common in parts of Malarashtca, Also found in Pakistan
Bangladesh and northern Sri Lanka.
Look-alikes
Spectacied Cobra
Indian Smooth Snake.
Indian Rat Snake.
Stow Sand Snake.
Seon oe cé
Argvrogena fasciolata
È
&
El
2
3
a
“At hatching Sim
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON®
Masxicaura 1347 (Sin)
Description
Seales smooth, Light or dark brown. Snout tapered. Young wit brilliant white head
‘markings and bright white cross-Sands. Adults usually without bands. Belly white
or yellowishewhite
Sealation
Scales in 23 or 21 : 23 or 21 : 17 or 15 rows, smooth, Ventrals 191-232, obtusely
angulare laterally; anal divided: subcaudals 77-92, paired. Usually a presubocular,
iporals 2-3 or 3+3: supralabials 8 rarely 9 (4* and 5° touching eye)
Natural History? Beh
Diurnal, Fouad ir rodent burrows, rock piles, and heavy brush. Young eat iaseets and
frags; adults eat field mice and metad rats that are killed by constriction or applying,
body pressure, In South India, 2-6 eggs laid in October. If threatened or eaptued,
may flatten forebody to display u narrow “iiood” causing some to mistake it For a
cobra.
Distribution
Sur India: throughout mosLof the peninsular plains (from Baroda
to Gwalior) to the Himalayas (south of Nepal); in the east ro
West Bengal south to Tisunelveli (except southeast coast)
"Common in parts of Malarashtca, Also found in Pakistan
Bangladesh and northern Sri Lanka.
Look-alikes
Spectacied Cobra
Indian Smooth Snake.
Indian Rat Snake.
Stow Sand Snake.
Seon oe cé
Argvrogena fasciolata
È
&
El
2
3
a
“At hatching Sim
ae |
Slender Racer Coluber gracilis
NON VENOMOUS, RARE Maximum 93010 (An)
Description
slender, smooti-sceled. Head broader than neck; lar
pil. Tail long and thin. Predominantly brown, with nat
eross-hars on
Markitgs indistin
Belly seaies yello
eye with round
which widen or
on hindbody. Top of Head has 2 or 3 wh
ish-white with small black spots on outer ed
for a kukri snake on account of its head mai However, the Slender Racer has
a much longer tail than any South Asian kukri snake (for those who count seales
subeaudals 118-127; compared to 69 — the highest on any of our k
Often mistaken
Sealation
Seales in
15 rows, smooth. Venta anal divided; subeaudals
: preocular with a smaller preocular below. (Smith termed
lar); postoculars 2; temporals 2-2; supralabials 9 (5° and
the lower sa
6° touching eye).
Natural History? Bel
Almost nothing known. Diurral. Fats skinks and geckos, which it may constrict with
hindos
y and tal. Lays e
Distribution
Endemie to India. Only recorded from Maharashtra
(Pune district, Nane Ghat, Phalian) and Madhya Pradesh
>, (Asirgarl), Reports from Pakistan are doubtful und need
5/0 confirmation.
Look-alikes
Kukri snakes,
3
El
Slender Racer
Slender Racer Coluber gracilis
NON VENOMOUS, RARE Maximum 93010 (An)
Description
slender, smooti-sceled. Head broader than neck; lar
pil. Tail long and thin. Predominantly brown, with nat
eross-hars on
Markitgs indistin
Belly seaies yello
eye with round
which widen or
on hindbody. Top of Head has 2 or 3 wh
ish-white with small black spots on outer ed
for a kukri snake on account of its head mai However, the Slender Racer has
a much longer tail than any South Asian kukri snake (for those who count seales
subeaudals 118-127; compared to 69 — the highest on any of our k
Often mistaken
Sealation
Seales in
15 rows, smooth. Venta anal divided; subeaudals
: preocular with a smaller preocular below. (Smith termed
lar); postoculars 2; temporals 2-2; supralabials 9 (5° and
the lower sa
6° touching eye).
Natural History? Bel
Almost nothing known. Diurral. Fats skinks and geckos, which it may constrict with
hindos
y and tal. Lays e
Distribution
Endemie to India. Only recorded from Maharashtra
(Pune district, Nane Ghat, Phalian) and Madhya Pradesh
>, (Asirgarl), Reports from Pakistan are doubtful und need
5/0 confirmation.
Look-alikes
Kukri snakes,
3
El
Slender Racer
Black-headed Royal Snake Spalerosophis atriceps
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON Auhaıching 250-470 10-101)
“Adults 1500-2000: (59-79in)
TEEN)
Description
Scales weakly keeled. Head distinctly hroader than neck; snout rounded; eye has
round pupil. Light yellowish-brown or orange with imegular blue-black or dark
brown markings that look like “spattered tar” on the back. Head partly or fully
jet, blue-black, or wine ved with bluc=black patches. Neck often pale wine red.
Underside glossy rose pink, Young have pale, even blotches without black markings.
Single scale on snout tip (rostral) broader than high (in the Red-spotted Royal Snake
this scale fs much higher hn its breadth)
Spalerosophis atriceps
Scalation
Seaies in 27, 29, 31 or 33 rows at midbody, 2 or & less on neck and 21 or 19
posteriorly; obmsely keeled, Ventrals 216-250 (a female from Gilgit had 278); anal
‘usually diviced; subcaudals 82-112, paired. Rostral broader than high; preftontals
broken up into several scales; loreals 2, one behind tie other; preoculars 2;
postoculars 3 or 4; supralabials 10-13 separated from eye by a series of suboculars;,
anterior temporals 3 or 4, small
A hatching 250 470mca (10-19)
Natural History’ Behavior
Noctumal, An excellent climber, it may be found on trees and low bushes. Lives
in rat holes, rocky areas, and erevices. Eats rodents, birds, and lizards. Lays eggs.
‘When disturbed, coils and hisses loudly, but rarely bites.
Distribution
India: Gujarat (Kutch), drier parts of Rajasthan, Punjab,
Kashmir, end Himachal Pradesh up to 2000m (65602). Also
77 Pakistan and a single record from Nepal
Look-alikes
Other royal snakes.
2
3
4
i
B
Alo
E
3;
FE
$lé
alz
146
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON Auhaıching 250-470 10-101)
“Adults 1500-2000: (59-79in)
TEEN)
Description
Scales weakly keeled. Head distinctly hroader than neck; snout rounded; eye has
round pupil. Light yellowish-brown or orange with imegular blue-black or dark
brown markings that look like “spattered tar” on the back. Head partly or fully
jet, blue-black, or wine ved with bluc=black patches. Neck often pale wine red.
Underside glossy rose pink, Young have pale, even blotches without black markings.
Single scale on snout tip (rostral) broader than high (in the Red-spotted Royal Snake
this scale fs much higher hn its breadth)
Spalerosophis atriceps
Scalation
Seaies in 27, 29, 31 or 33 rows at midbody, 2 or & less on neck and 21 or 19
posteriorly; obmsely keeled, Ventrals 216-250 (a female from Gilgit had 278); anal
‘usually diviced; subcaudals 82-112, paired. Rostral broader than high; preftontals
broken up into several scales; loreals 2, one behind tie other; preoculars 2;
postoculars 3 or 4; supralabials 10-13 separated from eye by a series of suboculars;,
anterior temporals 3 or 4, small
A hatching 250 470mca (10-19)
Natural History’ Behavior
Noctumal, An excellent climber, it may be found on trees and low bushes. Lives
in rat holes, rocky areas, and erevices. Eats rodents, birds, and lizards. Lays eggs.
‘When disturbed, coils and hisses loudly, but rarely bites.
Distribution
India: Gujarat (Kutch), drier parts of Rajasthan, Punjab,
Kashmir, end Himachal Pradesh up to 2000m (65602). Also
77 Pakistan and a single record from Nepal
Look-alikes
Other royal snakes.
2
3
4
i
B
Alo
E
3;
FE
$lé
alz
146
Black-headed Royal Suake
Spalerosophis atriceps,
NON VENOMOUS, LNCOMMON
Bluck-headed Royal Snake.
Trachea 0 nan TOTO 002 (DA
Spalerosophis ariceps
SON VENOMOLS, UNCOMMON
Spalerosophis atriceps,
NON VENOMOUS, LNCOMMON
Bluck-headed Royal Snake.
Trachea 0 nan TOTO 002 (DA
Spalerosophis ariceps
SON VENOMOLS, UNCOMMON
Red-spotted Royal Snake
NON VENOMOUS, RARE"
Spalerosophis arenarius
Maximan LED (50m)
Description
Scales weakly keeled (most distincton hindbody). Head cistinetly broader than neck
snout more pointed than that of Blats-headed Royal Snake; eye has round pupil. Ash
gray, cream or pale brown back with caramel reddish-brown markings; those on
midline of back largest. Markings we auzanged in 5-7 altemating series und merge
to form stripes on tail. Upper surfe of head usually has a curved band before eyes,
symmetrical markings betweer eyes and another curved mark on back of head. First
eurved band on head continues as an obligue streak from eye to behind mouth, Heed
markings same color as hose on back, Neck has 0 or three short stripes, Lincerside
glossy white, Single scale on snow tip (rostral) narrow, much higher than broad (in
the Blaek-heaced Royal Snake this sale is broader than high),
Scalation
Seales in 25 : 25 or 27 : 17 rows, cbrusely keeled (most sirongly on hindbody)
Ventral anal entire; Sıbeaudals 71-86, paired. Supralabials 9 to 11,
sesarated from eye hy a series of small suhoculars; tostral cistinetly higher than
broad, separates internasals for halfor more than hal their length; prefronta's broken
up into 3 or 4 small shields; lorsals 2; preoculars 2; postoculars 2 or 3; anterior
temporals 3, small
Natural History/ Behavior
Nocturnal, sometimes seen by day. Terrestrial but clitabs well. Feeds on fizards,
mice, birds and their eggs. Brock March-lune, Lass 8-10 elongate eggs. When
cornered, may hiss and strike repeat.
Distribution
Indie: Rajesthar. (Sikar district). “Though rare, on one
occasion 7 snakes were found in a single night. Also
>, Pakistan,
Look-alikes
Other royal stakes (especially juvenil
sophis arenarius
3
El
NON VENOMOUS, RARE"
Spalerosophis arenarius
Maximan LED (50m)
Description
Scales weakly keeled (most distincton hindbody). Head cistinetly broader than neck
snout more pointed than that of Blats-headed Royal Snake; eye has round pupil. Ash
gray, cream or pale brown back with caramel reddish-brown markings; those on
midline of back largest. Markings we auzanged in 5-7 altemating series und merge
to form stripes on tail. Upper surfe of head usually has a curved band before eyes,
symmetrical markings betweer eyes and another curved mark on back of head. First
eurved band on head continues as an obligue streak from eye to behind mouth, Heed
markings same color as hose on back, Neck has 0 or three short stripes, Lincerside
glossy white, Single scale on snow tip (rostral) narrow, much higher than broad (in
the Blaek-heaced Royal Snake this sale is broader than high),
Scalation
Seales in 25 : 25 or 27 : 17 rows, cbrusely keeled (most sirongly on hindbody)
Ventral anal entire; Sıbeaudals 71-86, paired. Supralabials 9 to 11,
sesarated from eye hy a series of small suhoculars; tostral cistinetly higher than
broad, separates internasals for halfor more than hal their length; prefronta's broken
up into 3 or 4 small shields; lorsals 2; preoculars 2; postoculars 2 or 3; anterior
temporals 3, small
Natural History/ Behavior
Nocturnal, sometimes seen by day. Terrestrial but clitabs well. Feeds on fizards,
mice, birds and their eggs. Brock March-lune, Lass 8-10 elongate eggs. When
cornered, may hiss and strike repeat.
Distribution
Indie: Rajesthar. (Sikar district). “Though rare, on one
occasion 7 snakes were found in a single night. Also
>, Pakistan,
Look-alikes
Other royal stakes (especially juvenil
sophis arenarius
3
El
Günther‘
Stripe-necked Snake Liopeltis frenata
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON Rehaiching 19mm np
Maximum 76
3
=
E
3
mooth-scale
Tail long. Olive-brown back has two broad black stripes starting
Scales black-edged, sometimes also white-edged. Some juveniles resemble adults
in color and pattern, but we have clso seen gray, black-stripes juveniles. It is as yet
unclear whether gray juveniles turn brown as they mature or remain grey. Throat
yellowish; underside white. longue orange.
Sealution
Seales in 15 : 15: 15 rows, smooth. Ventrals 140-172: anal divided: subcaudals
70-105, pained. Supralabials 7 (3% and 4" tovchirg eye); sreocular 1; postocalars
1 or 2s temporuls 142; nostál in undivided nasal
Natural History? Behavior
Probably diusnal, Tervestial, seen on forest patas. Twice seen by us close to puddles
containing tadpoles and fogs. Lays at least $ eggs (Found by us om two occasions)
in standing, dead bamboo. Eggs hatch in ch in Arunachal Pradesh,
Juveniles are gentle and inoffensive, fi dy and when
handled, may coi’ the hind body and tail around a finger
Distribution
India: Meghalaya (Khasi Hills) to eastern Arunachal
Pradesh (Dean, Patkai Ifills), Also Myanmar and Laos.
y, Found between 610-1830m (2000 60008). 2
SE:
>
>
et
Lavkeaites
Stoliczka's Strpe-necked Snake (not featured)
D
“MOUS, UNCOMMON
Ganther’s Stripe-necked Snake
Stripe-necked Snake Liopeltis frenata
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON Rehaiching 19mm np
Maximum 76
3
=
E
3
mooth-scale
Tail long. Olive-brown back has two broad black stripes starting
Scales black-edged, sometimes also white-edged. Some juveniles resemble adults
in color and pattern, but we have clso seen gray, black-stripes juveniles. It is as yet
unclear whether gray juveniles turn brown as they mature or remain grey. Throat
yellowish; underside white. longue orange.
Sealution
Seales in 15 : 15: 15 rows, smooth. Ventrals 140-172: anal divided: subcaudals
70-105, pained. Supralabials 7 (3% and 4" tovchirg eye); sreocular 1; postocalars
1 or 2s temporuls 142; nostál in undivided nasal
Natural History? Behavior
Probably diusnal, Tervestial, seen on forest patas. Twice seen by us close to puddles
containing tadpoles and fogs. Lays at least $ eggs (Found by us om two occasions)
in standing, dead bamboo. Eggs hatch in ch in Arunachal Pradesh,
Juveniles are gentle and inoffensive, fi dy and when
handled, may coi’ the hind body and tail around a finger
Distribution
India: Meghalaya (Khasi Hills) to eastern Arunachal
Pradesh (Dean, Patkai Ifills), Also Myanmar and Laos.
y, Found between 610-1830m (2000 60008). 2
SE:
>
>
et
Lavkeaites
Stoliczka's Strpe-necked Snake (not featured)
D
“MOUS, UNCOMMON
Ganther’s Stripe-necked Snake
|
|
|
|
|
¡d Awl-headed Snake Lytorhynchus paradosus re
NON VENOMOUS, RARE Maximum 380mm (1Sia)
Description
Body slightly triangular in e=oss section and smooth scaled. Head slightly brosder
‘than neck; stout unusually pointed; large eye hes vertically elliptical pupil; nostril
narrow slit between to large scales, Tail short. Gray or pale brown with a series of
Hor X shaped dark brown or sooty black marks connected by a white stripe running
dowa the maidback, Sraaller, less distinct brown spots on sides of body alternate with
brown marks on back. Large brown mar on top of head; distinct brown streak from
eye to angle of mouth, and a similar colored merk helow eye. Underside white. (The
look-alike Glossy-bellied Racer has a rounded snout, circular nostrils, and a long,
thin tail).
SE
83
RE
¿ls
AE
3
À
Scalation
Seales in 21 or 23:19 (rarely 21):15 rows, smooth. Ventrals 169-185, angulate
laterally; anal divided; subeaudals 40-53, paired. Rostral four-sided, pointed in
front and angular or rounded behind. Frontal expanded anterior'y; touching. or just
seperated from preoculaz. Mental with small projection in front that fits notch at base
of rostral. Supralabials $ (S# touching eye); preoculars 2; presubocular 1; loreal 1;
pposloculars 2; temporals 242 o 243
Natural History/ Behavior
Nocumal end terrestre. Iahubits sand dunes; sometimes found at hese of planos
Wen pursued, escapes by digging into sand with snout, Narrow, slit-like nostrils
are en adaptacion to the send-burrowing habit, When alarmed, coils up like a spring,
sometimes hiding its head. Lays eggs. A cuptive specimen laid two eggs in carly
Mey.
Distribution
India: Rajasthan (Sikar distric), Also Pakistan (restricted to
a few localities in the ‘Thar Dese). Feeds on geckos in the
», wild; eaptives accepted small lizards
ale
AE
| He
HE
Lookalikes Ag
Gilossy-sellied Racer Bl
Saw scaled Viper. HE
ale
154
|
|
|
|
¡d Awl-headed Snake Lytorhynchus paradosus re
NON VENOMOUS, RARE Maximum 380mm (1Sia)
Description
Body slightly triangular in e=oss section and smooth scaled. Head slightly brosder
‘than neck; stout unusually pointed; large eye hes vertically elliptical pupil; nostril
narrow slit between to large scales, Tail short. Gray or pale brown with a series of
Hor X shaped dark brown or sooty black marks connected by a white stripe running
dowa the maidback, Sraaller, less distinct brown spots on sides of body alternate with
brown marks on back. Large brown mar on top of head; distinct brown streak from
eye to angle of mouth, and a similar colored merk helow eye. Underside white. (The
look-alike Glossy-bellied Racer has a rounded snout, circular nostrils, and a long,
thin tail).
SE
83
RE
¿ls
AE
3
À
Scalation
Seales in 21 or 23:19 (rarely 21):15 rows, smooth. Ventrals 169-185, angulate
laterally; anal divided; subeaudals 40-53, paired. Rostral four-sided, pointed in
front and angular or rounded behind. Frontal expanded anterior'y; touching. or just
seperated from preoculaz. Mental with small projection in front that fits notch at base
of rostral. Supralabials $ (S# touching eye); preoculars 2; presubocular 1; loreal 1;
pposloculars 2; temporals 242 o 243
Natural History/ Behavior
Nocumal end terrestre. Iahubits sand dunes; sometimes found at hese of planos
Wen pursued, escapes by digging into sand with snout, Narrow, slit-like nostrils
are en adaptacion to the send-burrowing habit, When alarmed, coils up like a spring,
sometimes hiding its head. Lays eggs. A cuptive specimen laid two eggs in carly
Mey.
Distribution
India: Rajasthan (Sikar distric), Also Pakistan (restricted to
a few localities in the ‘Thar Dese). Feeds on geckos in the
», wild; eaptives accepted small lizards
ale
AE
| He
HE
Lookalikes Ag
Gilossy-sellied Racer Bl
Saw scaled Viper. HE
ale
154
hyura
Indian Smooth Snake Coronelia
NON VENOMOUS, RARE Main mn an)
Description
Smooth-sealeé. Head slightly broader than neck; large eye has round pupil, Snou:
not pointed. Light to dark brown back, usually with a light checkered pattern of the
same color on forebody. Underside creamy white. [The Banded Racer has a pointed
snovt and a longer tail).
Sealution
Scales in 23 19 sows, smooth, Ventrals 200-224, rounded; anal entire;
subeaudals 46-53, paired. Loreal 1; preocular 1; postoculats 2; temporals 2-2;
supralabials 8 (4% and SO touching eye
Natural History/ Behavior
‘Very Title known. Specimens found ncur stone pile in arid area but one was found
in a tree, Burrowing behavior served. Captive specimen constricted and ate small
geckos, Probably feeds on skinks and garden lizards zs well. Observations based on
a captive specimen suggest chat it isan active hunter. Mildetompered.
Distribution,
E Endemic: io india. Known from a few localities
Maharashtra
Look-alikes
Bunded Racer.
156
‘Coronella brachyura
2
El
E
&
$
3
E
E
ä
=
3
3
£
E
z
Indian Smooth Snake Coronelia
NON VENOMOUS, RARE Main mn an)
Description
Smooth-sealeé. Head slightly broader than neck; large eye has round pupil, Snou:
not pointed. Light to dark brown back, usually with a light checkered pattern of the
same color on forebody. Underside creamy white. [The Banded Racer has a pointed
snovt and a longer tail).
Sealution
Scales in 23 19 sows, smooth, Ventrals 200-224, rounded; anal entire;
subeaudals 46-53, paired. Loreal 1; preocular 1; postoculats 2; temporals 2-2;
supralabials 8 (4% and SO touching eye
Natural History/ Behavior
‘Very Title known. Specimens found ncur stone pile in arid area but one was found
in a tree, Burrowing behavior served. Captive specimen constricted and ate small
geckos, Probably feeds on skinks and garden lizards zs well. Observations based on
a captive specimen suggest chat it isan active hunter. Mildetompered.
Distribution,
E Endemic: io india. Known from a few localities
Maharashtra
Look-alikes
Bunded Racer.
156
‘Coronella brachyura
2
El
E
&
$
3
E
E
ä
=
3
3
£
E
z
White-barred Kukri Snake Oligodon albı
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON “Aas 60720 (21-20)
Maximum 914 ram (36in)
“nett
Description
Scales smooth. Head siehly or not broader thas neck, with typical A shaped rar
seen on most kukri snakes; eye has round pupil. Short ta. has sharply sosnted tp.
Single scale at tp of snoat (costal) extends well omo upper surface of head. Two
color forza: (i) Tygical form reddish or pinkish-biown back with white, yelow or
pale brown erossebands outlined in black. Juveniles more red than brown, with
undersice pale pink. In older snakes, body scales are brown, speckled wth black and
have red edges. Underside white with large black, rectangular spots on outer edges of
belly scales. (i) Brown with black or darker brn blask=odged és
round spots Some spots deeply notched ar micline and resemble à horizontal %
“Adults of this form may be almost entirely pattemless Some autzoites suspect the
ro forms represent distinet species. Round black eye pupil kas a distiret yellowish
or brownishewhite ring Gris) arourd it. (A venomous loos-alike, Macc land's
Coral Snake has an almost entirely black eye)
Sealation (after Wagner)
Scales in 19 : 17 Carely 19 in females) : 15 (rarely 17 in females) rows, smooth,
Ventrals: males 177-195, females 186-207, argalate laterally; anal entire; subeaudals:
nales 58-68, Females 47-60, paired. Supralabizis 7 (3% and 4% touching eye), rarely
6 (3* and 4% touching eye); loreal usually present; preocular 1; postoculars 2;
temporals 142. A juvenile of the typical form 275mm in lengtt, with umbilical sear
‘on ventrals 165-167 was seen in early June (Arunsehul Pradesh).
Natural History! Behavior
Probably noctucnal like other kuísri snakes. We have seen this species out during
ccarly evening. Chiefly a hill species. Mary have been found on the tea estates of
Upper Assam and Darjeeling. Eats mice and saake (and possibly otter reptile) eggs.
Lays ep nid snake. Like most snakes, ties to escape when encountered. I?
provoked, Matices body and curls up end of tal. Intensely dislikes being handled
‘will thrash vigorously and may inflict painful slashes wita its blade-like teeth.
Distribution
India: Sikkim, West Bengal and the Northeast to Artnachal
Pradesh. Also Myanmar, Bangladesh and Nepal. Found up
10 about 1980m (65000).
Lavk-atikes
‘Macclelland’s Coral Snake,
Bluci-barred Kuler! Snake.
4
i
|
E
El
i
i
i
a
E
a
i
i
4
!
El
Oligadon albocinctus
White-barred Kukri Snake
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON “Aas 60720 (21-20)
Maximum 914 ram (36in)
“nett
Description
Scales smooth. Head siehly or not broader thas neck, with typical A shaped rar
seen on most kukri snakes; eye has round pupil. Short ta. has sharply sosnted tp.
Single scale at tp of snoat (costal) extends well omo upper surface of head. Two
color forza: (i) Tygical form reddish or pinkish-biown back with white, yelow or
pale brown erossebands outlined in black. Juveniles more red than brown, with
undersice pale pink. In older snakes, body scales are brown, speckled wth black and
have red edges. Underside white with large black, rectangular spots on outer edges of
belly scales. (i) Brown with black or darker brn blask=odged és
round spots Some spots deeply notched ar micline and resemble à horizontal %
“Adults of this form may be almost entirely pattemless Some autzoites suspect the
ro forms represent distinet species. Round black eye pupil kas a distiret yellowish
or brownishewhite ring Gris) arourd it. (A venomous loos-alike, Macc land's
Coral Snake has an almost entirely black eye)
Sealation (after Wagner)
Scales in 19 : 17 Carely 19 in females) : 15 (rarely 17 in females) rows, smooth,
Ventrals: males 177-195, females 186-207, argalate laterally; anal entire; subeaudals:
nales 58-68, Females 47-60, paired. Supralabizis 7 (3% and 4% touching eye), rarely
6 (3* and 4% touching eye); loreal usually present; preocular 1; postoculars 2;
temporals 142. A juvenile of the typical form 275mm in lengtt, with umbilical sear
‘on ventrals 165-167 was seen in early June (Arunsehul Pradesh).
Natural History! Behavior
Probably noctucnal like other kuísri snakes. We have seen this species out during
ccarly evening. Chiefly a hill species. Mary have been found on the tea estates of
Upper Assam and Darjeeling. Eats mice and saake (and possibly otter reptile) eggs.
Lays ep nid snake. Like most snakes, ties to escape when encountered. I?
provoked, Matices body and curls up end of tal. Intensely dislikes being handled
‘will thrash vigorously and may inflict painful slashes wita its blade-like teeth.
Distribution
India: Sikkim, West Bengal and the Northeast to Artnachal
Pradesh. Also Myanmar, Bangladesh and Nepal. Found up
10 about 1980m (65000).
Lavk-atikes
‘Macclelland’s Coral Snake,
Bluci-barred Kuler! Snake.
4
i
|
E
El
i
i
i
a
E
a
i
i
4
!
El
Oligadon albocinctus
White-barred Kukri Snake
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Russell’s Kukri Snake Oligodon taeniolatus
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON ing 5-120
“Adal 300mm (12in}
‘Maximum 390mm (23in)
Description
Scales smooth. Head slightly or not broader than neck, with typical A shaped marks
seen on most kuksi snakes; eye has round pupil; short tail has pointed tip. Markings
co head and back extremely variable, Head pattern: top of brown head usually hes
two car brown, black-edged, bow, or À shaped marks, closely followed by a
‘broad baud or blotch on neck, often with a bold white, cream or pale brown dark-
edged median streak. Common variations include head rmarkirgs that merge almost
ectiely, giving the head a mostly durk brown appearance, or they may join oly
along the middle. Markings sometimes faint. Pattern on back: (:) Pale brown with
a series of thin black cross-lines formed by black scale edges; often with four dark
brown stripes from cad to ail, There may be an additional thn eream-colored stripe
along midbeck. (i) A series of irregular (sometimes white-edged) spots — a large
median one with a smaller one on each side. (if) Large, clongate or squarish, dark
brown, biack-edged spots (sometimes deeply notched to resemble a horizontal 8).
(iv) Lerge, dark brown spots, edged wich black, then white. Spots aired or alternate
‘on opposite sides of vertebral line. Underside in all forms white or cream; outer
edges of helly scales occesionally with small dark brown or bac spo.
Striped forms are usually found in dry areas, while blotched forms inhabit moister
regions. Though eurzently dealt with as a single species, it is probable tha: the forms
may represent more than one species.
Scalation (aller Wagner)
‘Scales in 15 rows at miébudy, smooth. Ventrals: males 157-201, females 154-219,
slightly angulate laterally; anal divided; subeaudals 27-59, paired. Supralabials ?
(GS und 4% touching eye), zarely 6 or 8; loreal 1; preocular 1 (rarely a presubocular):
temporals 142.
Natural History/ Behavior
Though wetive by day and night, frequently seen at dusk. Found in forests as well
as near human habitation, Climbs well. One was seen 3m (108) high on a wall at
2300hrs, 25km (1$miles) from Bangalore (Kurnataka). Eats reptile and amphibian
‘eau; explive specimens ate small lizards. llas sharp, flattened, curved teeth useful
for slicing into reptile eses. Young feed on insects, grubs and spiders. Lays 3-9 eus
in late June. The enlarged rostral suggests thal this is a burrower and indeed, captive
spacimens will burrow into cage soil. Generally quite docile, will Matten body and
strike sideways when provoked.
162
Russell’s Kukri Snake
Oligodon taeniolatns
Abc 75 Dm Sw dal Om €
E
5
2
&
2
5
E
E
E
E
z
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON ing 5-120
“Adal 300mm (12in}
‘Maximum 390mm (23in)
Description
Scales smooth. Head slightly or not broader than neck, with typical A shaped marks
seen on most kuksi snakes; eye has round pupil; short tail has pointed tip. Markings
co head and back extremely variable, Head pattern: top of brown head usually hes
two car brown, black-edged, bow, or À shaped marks, closely followed by a
‘broad baud or blotch on neck, often with a bold white, cream or pale brown dark-
edged median streak. Common variations include head rmarkirgs that merge almost
ectiely, giving the head a mostly durk brown appearance, or they may join oly
along the middle. Markings sometimes faint. Pattern on back: (:) Pale brown with
a series of thin black cross-lines formed by black scale edges; often with four dark
brown stripes from cad to ail, There may be an additional thn eream-colored stripe
along midbeck. (i) A series of irregular (sometimes white-edged) spots — a large
median one with a smaller one on each side. (if) Large, clongate or squarish, dark
brown, biack-edged spots (sometimes deeply notched to resemble a horizontal 8).
(iv) Lerge, dark brown spots, edged wich black, then white. Spots aired or alternate
‘on opposite sides of vertebral line. Underside in all forms white or cream; outer
edges of helly scales occesionally with small dark brown or bac spo.
Striped forms are usually found in dry areas, while blotched forms inhabit moister
regions. Though eurzently dealt with as a single species, it is probable tha: the forms
may represent more than one species.
Scalation (aller Wagner)
‘Scales in 15 rows at miébudy, smooth. Ventrals: males 157-201, females 154-219,
slightly angulate laterally; anal divided; subeaudals 27-59, paired. Supralabials ?
(GS und 4% touching eye), zarely 6 or 8; loreal 1; preocular 1 (rarely a presubocular):
temporals 142.
Natural History/ Behavior
Though wetive by day and night, frequently seen at dusk. Found in forests as well
as near human habitation, Climbs well. One was seen 3m (108) high on a wall at
2300hrs, 25km (1$miles) from Bangalore (Kurnataka). Eats reptile and amphibian
‘eau; explive specimens ate small lizards. llas sharp, flattened, curved teeth useful
for slicing into reptile eses. Young feed on insects, grubs and spiders. Lays 3-9 eus
in late June. The enlarged rostral suggests thal this is a burrower and indeed, captive
spacimens will burrow into cage soil. Generally quite docile, will Matten body and
strike sideways when provoked.
162
Russell’s Kukri Snake
Oligodon taeniolatns
Abc 75 Dm Sw dal Om €
E
5
2
&
2
5
E
E
E
E
z
A. as
Russell’s Kukri Snake Oligodon taeniolatus
“Adults Umm (12)
Max 590mm (ic)
Fran aan)
Indie: hills and plains of peninsuler and northern India;
western Himslayas (Gerhwal district), Also Pakistan,
=, Bargladesh and Sri Lanka.
Oligodon taeniolatus
Look-alikes
‘Other kukri snakes.
‘Saw-scaled Viper.
‘Common Cat Snake.
Stender Rewer.
E
E
El
i Snake
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Russell’s Kuki
164
Russell’s Kukri Snake Oligodon taeniolatus
“Adults Umm (12)
Max 590mm (ic)
Fran aan)
Indie: hills and plains of peninsuler and northern India;
western Himslayas (Gerhwal district), Also Pakistan,
=, Bargladesh and Sri Lanka.
Oligodon taeniolatus
Look-alikes
‘Other kukri snakes.
‘Saw-scaled Viper.
‘Common Cat Snake.
Stender Rewer.
E
E
El
i Snake
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Russell’s Kuki
164
Common Kukri Snake Oligodon arnensis
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON Achaiching Somm: (ia)
Adults 3S0nrm (14in)
Maximum 700mm (in)
Description
Scales smooth. Head siightly or not broader than neck, with typical A shaped n
seen on most kukri snakes; eye has round pupil. Short ail has pointed tip. Single
at ip of snout (rostral) extends well onto upper surface of head, Brown back with
10-20 distinct black or dark brown bands and three À shaped marks of same color
‘on head. Width of body cross-bands variable. Belly glossy white. Olten mistaken for
the Banded Kraic which bi
ody ~ triangular in e:oss-section, enlarged hexagonal
ong the midback and distinetly zourded tal ip)
Sealation (af
Seales in 17 : 17 : 15 rows, smooth. Ventrals: malos 161-199, females 166-201,
angulate larerally; anal usually divided; subcaudals 41-59, paired, Loreal often
united with pre‘iontal (hence absent; sapralabials 7 (34 and 4* touching eye), rarely
6 or 8; anterior temporal 1
Natural History! Behavior
iseular. Found in termite mounds, caves. ereviees, tree holes and
old houses, Las sharp, iattened, curved tecth useful for slicing reptile eggs. You
ed 02 insects and their larvae, spiders and le e
geckos, skinks and small mice, Lays 3-9 eggs at a cime; yon
June; Chennai in September. Generally quite docile,
adults eut rept
in Maharashtra
Distribution
A Throughout India (except the Andaman & Nicobar Islands
a and possibly the extreme Northeast). Also Pakistan, Nepal
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka.
{
Look-alikes
Other kukris.
Banded Kit
168
A pare: RW = nut AC
Oligodon
Snake
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON
1
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Common Kuki
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON Achaiching Somm: (ia)
Adults 3S0nrm (14in)
Maximum 700mm (in)
Description
Scales smooth. Head siightly or not broader than neck, with typical A shaped n
seen on most kukri snakes; eye has round pupil. Short ail has pointed tip. Single
at ip of snout (rostral) extends well onto upper surface of head, Brown back with
10-20 distinct black or dark brown bands and three À shaped marks of same color
‘on head. Width of body cross-bands variable. Belly glossy white. Olten mistaken for
the Banded Kraic which bi
ody ~ triangular in e:oss-section, enlarged hexagonal
ong the midback and distinetly zourded tal ip)
Sealation (af
Seales in 17 : 17 : 15 rows, smooth. Ventrals: malos 161-199, females 166-201,
angulate larerally; anal usually divided; subcaudals 41-59, paired, Loreal often
united with pre‘iontal (hence absent; sapralabials 7 (34 and 4* touching eye), rarely
6 or 8; anterior temporal 1
Natural History! Behavior
iseular. Found in termite mounds, caves. ereviees, tree holes and
old houses, Las sharp, iattened, curved tecth useful for slicing reptile eggs. You
ed 02 insects and their larvae, spiders and le e
geckos, skinks and small mice, Lays 3-9 eggs at a cime; yon
June; Chennai in September. Generally quite docile,
adults eut rept
in Maharashtra
Distribution
A Throughout India (except the Andaman & Nicobar Islands
a and possibly the extreme Northeast). Also Pakistan, Nepal
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka.
{
Look-alikes
Other kukris.
Banded Kit
168
A pare: RW = nut AC
Oligodon
Snake
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON
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Common Kuki
ARAVANAKUMAR.
Western Kukri Snake Oligodon affinis
SON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
uma 540 mm (1350)
Description
Scales smooth. Head slightly or no: broader than neck, eye has round pupil. Short
tail has sharply pointed tip. Single scale at tip of snont (rostral) extends well onto
upper surface of head. Pale grayisa-brown back with darker brown, broken cross-
lines, most of which have light margins, Upper surface of head has a black, scalloped
or bird silhoueue-ike murking. Underside pale yellow or white with re
black marks; the two colors almost equally distributed
Oligodon afinis
after Wagner)
S at midbody, smooth, Ventrals: males 128-133, females
not engulate laterally; anal 2; subcaudals: males 31-36, females 23-30, paired.
Supralabials 7 3“ and 4* touching eye); loreal absent; anterior ten
Natural Listory/ Behavior
Poorly known, Nocturaal, like other kukıis. One was found in an evergreen forest 50
Ken from Thiruvananthapurar (Arippa) in January. On hardling, may poxe with tail
tip and bite. Probably feeds on reptile eggs, geckos, skinks and small mice.
Distribution
Endemic to India. Western Ghats, south of the Goa Gap
(Wynad to Thiruvenanthapuram),
Lookealikes
Other kukri snakes.
Hump-nosed Pit Viper
SON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Western Ku
Western Kukri Snake Oligodon affinis
SON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
uma 540 mm (1350)
Description
Scales smooth. Head slightly or no: broader than neck, eye has round pupil. Short
tail has sharply pointed tip. Single scale at tip of snont (rostral) extends well onto
upper surface of head. Pale grayisa-brown back with darker brown, broken cross-
lines, most of which have light margins, Upper surface of head has a black, scalloped
or bird silhoueue-ike murking. Underside pale yellow or white with re
black marks; the two colors almost equally distributed
Oligodon afinis
after Wagner)
S at midbody, smooth, Ventrals: males 128-133, females
not engulate laterally; anal 2; subcaudals: males 31-36, females 23-30, paired.
Supralabials 7 3“ and 4* touching eye); loreal absent; anterior ten
Natural Listory/ Behavior
Poorly known, Nocturaal, like other kukıis. One was found in an evergreen forest 50
Ken from Thiruvananthapurar (Arippa) in January. On hardling, may poxe with tail
tip and bite. Probably feeds on reptile eggs, geckos, skinks and small mice.
Distribution
Endemic to India. Western Ghats, south of the Goa Gap
(Wynad to Thiruvenanthapuram),
Lookealikes
Other kukri snakes.
Hump-nosed Pit Viper
SON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Western Ku
Nikhil’s Kukri Snake Oligodon nikhiti
NON VENOMOUS, RARE ‘Maximum >423mm (17ia)
Description
Seales smooth. Head sigh ly or not broader than neck, with typical A shaped marks
seen on most kukri snakes; eye has round pupil. Short tail bas sharply poisted tip.
Light brown back with four chocolate brown stripes; upper pair most distinct and
runs from the two A shaped head markings to wil-lip. Outer Iwo stripes begin
slightly further back, are partly broken up and end at base of tail (anal scale). Most
‘upper Sody scales have a sınall black dot. Side of body has a series of ill-defined,
widely spaced blotches arranged in a line, Underside whi, cheekered with two lines
of small black blotches,
Sealation
Seales in 17 : 15 : 15 rows, smooth, Ventrals 144; anal divided; subcaudals 33,
paired. Loreal absent; preocular 1; postoculars 2; anterior temporal 1; supralabials 7
(3% and 4* touching eye).
Natural History/ Behavior
Not known. Like other kukrs, ths litle suake probably eats insects ard their larvae,
small lizards and Lizard/ snake eggs.
Distribution
Endemic to India. Only one snake has ever been found
under a piece of cement on a roadside parapet wall — in
2, Tiger Shola, «small patch of rainforest near Stembeganur,
Look-alikes
Russell's Kakri Snake.
Striped Coral Snake (brown form).
2
2
E
E
&
4
El
3
E
zZ
NON VENOMOUS, RARE ‘Maximum >423mm (17ia)
Description
Seales smooth. Head sigh ly or not broader than neck, with typical A shaped marks
seen on most kukri snakes; eye has round pupil. Short tail bas sharply poisted tip.
Light brown back with four chocolate brown stripes; upper pair most distinct and
runs from the two A shaped head markings to wil-lip. Outer Iwo stripes begin
slightly further back, are partly broken up and end at base of tail (anal scale). Most
‘upper Sody scales have a sınall black dot. Side of body has a series of ill-defined,
widely spaced blotches arranged in a line, Underside whi, cheekered with two lines
of small black blotches,
Sealation
Seales in 17 : 15 : 15 rows, smooth, Ventrals 144; anal divided; subcaudals 33,
paired. Loreal absent; preocular 1; postoculars 2; anterior temporal 1; supralabials 7
(3% and 4* touching eye).
Natural History/ Behavior
Not known. Like other kukrs, ths litle suake probably eats insects ard their larvae,
small lizards and Lizard/ snake eggs.
Distribution
Endemic to India. Only one snake has ever been found
under a piece of cement on a roadside parapet wall — in
2, Tiger Shola, «small patch of rainforest near Stembeganur,
Look-alikes
Russell's Kakri Snake.
Striped Coral Snake (brown form).
2
2
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&
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3
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Painted Branzcback Tree Snake
NON VENOMOLS, COMMON
Dendrelaphis pictus
fatching 200-3000 (872
‘Adults 900-1200 (33-47
Maximum 240mm: (S6in)
Description
Long, slender, smooth-sceled, Head elongate, distinctly brosder than neck; snout
bluntly rounded, Large eye has round pupil. Tail very long, tain, wire-ike. Belly
scales aad those uncer tail have outer edges sharply folded upward (keeled). Two
subspecies are currently recognized; however, it is likely that several species
been clumped together in this complex. ($) Painted Bronzeback Tree Snake
Bold black streak on sid of head (from xnout tip, or behind eye) continues onto
here it breaks up into oblique lines, Lip scales yellow or white. Underside
yellowish-white, pale greenish or bluish. Another color form of this subspesi
(referred 10 in literature; not seen by us) has no cream or yellow stipe (or itis
inct) and the continuous black stripe is replaced by black spots on scale edges.
Gi) Andamen Painted Bronzeback Tree Snake (Dendrefaphis pictus andamanensis)
Olive-bronze, grecnish or reddish ba ack ard outer edges
of belly scales black-edged; black stipe along side of head continues onto neck.
Underside greenish-yellow. The common name is misleading as this subspecies is
found oa the Nicobar Islands; the single record from: the Andaman Islands needs to
be reconfirmed, The taxonomic status of this subspecies remains unresolved, Some
authorities feel it may be race of Dendretaphis formasa rather than of Dendrelap!
us, while others suspect that it may be an altogether new species. The Painted
Bronzcback has a bright red tongue (the similar looking Common Bronzchack
Dendrelaphis ristis has a dark blue one, This is a useful field character to tell the two
apart, However, identification must be confirmed by examining maxillary teeth)
scales on mid-line of
alation/ Dentition
Scales in 15 : 15: 11 or 9 oblique rows, smooth, Vertebral scales distinctly ealarged,
Ventrals 167-200, with sharp, noiched lateral keel; subcaudals 109-169, paired:
anal divide or entire, Supralabials 9, rarely 8 (4% just touching; S® and 6° touching
eye); 1 pre-, 2 postoculacs; temporals 1-2 or 2+2 (rarely 1+1). Maxillary teeth
-28, posterior largest. (This can only be checked by carefully dissecting a dead
Natural History/ Behavior
Diurnal. Arborcal; inhabits low bushes and wees, Feeds masily on frogs und lizards
Occasionally eats small snaxes and baby birds. Extremely fast. Norched, sharply
defined edges of belly scales help it climb. Can leap stom branch to branch. Females
lay 2-10 long, thin eggs that halch ia about 75 days. Breeds year roun
of range, If elarmed, expands neck and forebody to show blue spots et lower edge
of each scale,
in some parts
WoLrcans WUSTER
Dendrelaphis pictus pictus
4
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E
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2
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ae
AE
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Elz
el
NON VENOMOLS, COMMON
Dendrelaphis pictus
fatching 200-3000 (872
‘Adults 900-1200 (33-47
Maximum 240mm: (S6in)
Description
Long, slender, smooth-sceled, Head elongate, distinctly brosder than neck; snout
bluntly rounded, Large eye has round pupil. Tail very long, tain, wire-ike. Belly
scales aad those uncer tail have outer edges sharply folded upward (keeled). Two
subspecies are currently recognized; however, it is likely that several species
been clumped together in this complex. ($) Painted Bronzeback Tree Snake
Bold black streak on sid of head (from xnout tip, or behind eye) continues onto
here it breaks up into oblique lines, Lip scales yellow or white. Underside
yellowish-white, pale greenish or bluish. Another color form of this subspesi
(referred 10 in literature; not seen by us) has no cream or yellow stipe (or itis
inct) and the continuous black stripe is replaced by black spots on scale edges.
Gi) Andamen Painted Bronzeback Tree Snake (Dendrefaphis pictus andamanensis)
Olive-bronze, grecnish or reddish ba ack ard outer edges
of belly scales black-edged; black stipe along side of head continues onto neck.
Underside greenish-yellow. The common name is misleading as this subspecies is
found oa the Nicobar Islands; the single record from: the Andaman Islands needs to
be reconfirmed, The taxonomic status of this subspecies remains unresolved, Some
authorities feel it may be race of Dendretaphis formasa rather than of Dendrelap!
us, while others suspect that it may be an altogether new species. The Painted
Bronzcback has a bright red tongue (the similar looking Common Bronzchack
Dendrelaphis ristis has a dark blue one, This is a useful field character to tell the two
apart, However, identification must be confirmed by examining maxillary teeth)
scales on mid-line of
alation/ Dentition
Scales in 15 : 15: 11 or 9 oblique rows, smooth, Vertebral scales distinctly ealarged,
Ventrals 167-200, with sharp, noiched lateral keel; subcaudals 109-169, paired:
anal divide or entire, Supralabials 9, rarely 8 (4% just touching; S® and 6° touching
eye); 1 pre-, 2 postoculacs; temporals 1-2 or 2+2 (rarely 1+1). Maxillary teeth
-28, posterior largest. (This can only be checked by carefully dissecting a dead
Natural History/ Behavior
Diurnal. Arborcal; inhabits low bushes and wees, Feeds masily on frogs und lizards
Occasionally eats small snaxes and baby birds. Extremely fast. Norched, sharply
defined edges of belly scales help it climb. Can leap stom branch to branch. Females
lay 2-10 long, thin eggs that halch ia about 75 days. Breeds year roun
of range, If elarmed, expands neck and forebody to show blue spots et lower edge
of each scale,
in some parts
WoLrcans WUSTER
Dendrelaphis pictus pictus
4
E
E
Ela
Bl
2
HE
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AE
al
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NOKANEIL DAS
Painted Bronzeback Tree Snake Dendrelaphis pictus
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON Ar harching 200-200mm (©
Adal 900-12001m (35
Maximum Lime (S6in)
sis
Distribution Se
— Pairted Bronzeback Tree Snake Dendreiaphis pictus pi ele
> + Form 1. India: from West Bengal to Arunachal Pradesh: SE
VAE records from Orissa need confimation. Also Bangladesh, SJE
E if Myanmar, southem China, Lacs, Thailand, Cambodia, a6
: Vicamum: Malaysia the Philipines, and Indonesia. Records EN
t + O ound in 00m i fa
tl als
Andaman Painted Bronzeback Tree Snake Dendrelaphis 3
lotus andamanensis: Endente to India, Nicobar Islands. à
Reports from the Andatanns need confirmation 3
Look-alikes E
Painted Bronzeback Tree Snake:
Other Bronzeback ree Snakes,
Sand Snakes.
Andaman Painted Lironzeta:
None,
lee Snake
3
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Painted Bronzeback Tree Snake Dendrelaphis pictus
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON Ar harching 200-200mm (©
Adal 900-12001m (35
Maximum Lime (S6in)
sis
Distribution Se
— Pairted Bronzeback Tree Snake Dendreiaphis pictus pi ele
> + Form 1. India: from West Bengal to Arunachal Pradesh: SE
VAE records from Orissa need confimation. Also Bangladesh, SJE
E if Myanmar, southem China, Lacs, Thailand, Cambodia, a6
: Vicamum: Malaysia the Philipines, and Indonesia. Records EN
t + O ound in 00m i fa
tl als
Andaman Painted Bronzeback Tree Snake Dendrelaphis 3
lotus andamanensis: Endente to India, Nicobar Islands. à
Reports from the Andatanns need confirmation 3
Look-alikes E
Painted Bronzeback Tree Snake:
Other Bronzeback ree Snakes,
Sand Snakes.
Andaman Painted Lironzeta:
None,
lee Snake
3
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E
ä
E
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El
3
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5
€
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Green Bronzeback Tree Snake Dendreluphis cyanuchtoris
NON VENOMOUS, COMMONINPARTSOFRANGE Maximum 1330500 (5210)
Description
Long, slender, slightly Hattened body. Sniooth-scaled. Head elongate, distinctly
broder than neck. Large eye has sourd pupil. Scout bluntly rounded (broader and
scuarer than that of Painted Bronzehaëk Tras Sraks) Tal very long, thin und wire-
like. Belly scales and those under til have sharp upward fold (keel). Olive green-
yellow-bronze back has Dlack-edged scales that form a fish-net pattern, Distinct
black Tine from tip of snout (or eye) slong side of head separates olive-green top of
head from greenish-yellow lip scales. Lower body and belly scales yellow. One or
two black lines may separate upper Dody color om thet of underside; side of tail
unlined. Tongue red tp
blue inerscale color
Sealation/ Dentition
Seales in 15: 15: 11 or9 oblique rows, smooth, Veriebral scales distineily enlarged.
Ventrals 186-211; anal divided; subcaudals 135-159, paired. Supralabials 9, rarely
8 or 10 (4 just touching; 5, 6 below eye); temporals 1+2 or 2+2. Maxillary teeth
21-24, posterior largest. (This can only he checked by carefully dissecting a dead
specimen.)
Natural History/ Behavior
Diumal. Arboreal; inhebits low bushes and trees. Feeds on frogs, garden lizards,
geckos, and small birds, even entering thatched houses to do so. Sharply defined
ges of belly amd tail seules ere notched, and help it climb. Can leap from branch
to branch, Lays 3-5 elongate eggs. If comered, expands forebady lo show light blue
interscale skin, rears up, and may strike repeatedly.
Distribution
— India: the Nortacast from West Bengal (Darjeeling district)
LE to Arunackal Pradesh; and the Andaman Islands. Also
Myanmar, Thailand.
Look-alikes
None
Im
lor
Dendrelaphis cyamoch
Green Bronzeback Tree Snake
330mm (2)
8
2
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2
E
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&
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&
3
NON VENOMOUS, COMMONINPARTSOFRANGE Maximum 1330500 (5210)
Description
Long, slender, slightly Hattened body. Sniooth-scaled. Head elongate, distinctly
broder than neck. Large eye has sourd pupil. Scout bluntly rounded (broader and
scuarer than that of Painted Bronzehaëk Tras Sraks) Tal very long, thin und wire-
like. Belly scales and those under til have sharp upward fold (keel). Olive green-
yellow-bronze back has Dlack-edged scales that form a fish-net pattern, Distinct
black Tine from tip of snout (or eye) slong side of head separates olive-green top of
head from greenish-yellow lip scales. Lower body and belly scales yellow. One or
two black lines may separate upper Dody color om thet of underside; side of tail
unlined. Tongue red tp
blue inerscale color
Sealation/ Dentition
Seales in 15: 15: 11 or9 oblique rows, smooth, Veriebral scales distineily enlarged.
Ventrals 186-211; anal divided; subcaudals 135-159, paired. Supralabials 9, rarely
8 or 10 (4 just touching; 5, 6 below eye); temporals 1+2 or 2+2. Maxillary teeth
21-24, posterior largest. (This can only he checked by carefully dissecting a dead
specimen.)
Natural History/ Behavior
Diumal. Arboreal; inhebits low bushes and trees. Feeds on frogs, garden lizards,
geckos, and small birds, even entering thatched houses to do so. Sharply defined
ges of belly amd tail seules ere notched, and help it climb. Can leap from branch
to branch, Lays 3-5 elongate eggs. If comered, expands forebady lo show light blue
interscale skin, rears up, and may strike repeatedly.
Distribution
— India: the Nortacast from West Bengal (Darjeeling district)
LE to Arunackal Pradesh; and the Andaman Islands. Also
Myanmar, Thailand.
Look-alikes
None
Im
lor
Dendrelaphis cyamoch
Green Bronzeback Tree Snake
330mm (2)
8
2
S
E
E
&
Ë
2
E
E
E
&
&
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&
3
een Bronzeback Tr
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON IN PARTS OF RANGE
weebuck Tree Snake
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON IN PARTS OF RANGE
weebuck Tree Snake
u u
Large-eyed Bronzeback Tree Si
NOX VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Dendrelaphis grandocul
ira 260mm (S009)
Description
Long, slender, slightly faut ‘ly broader than
neck; snout bluntly rounded. Very large eye hax round pupil. No black line behind
eye. Tail very loag, thin, wire-like. Belly scales (ventrals) and those under tail
ibcaudals) have sharp upward fold (keel). Olive-brown back, sometimes with
small, black, irregularly placed blotches, No dark stripe on side of body. Underside
pale brown in front, darker behind, sometimes with small black spots on sides.
Tail has 3 black lines one on esch side and one below. This is the only Indian
bronzchack with no black lino behind dhe eye and without a dark stripe on the sides
of te bocy.
Dendrelaphis grandoculis
Sealation/ Dentition
Scales in 15 : 15: 11 or 9 oblique rows, smooth, Vertebral scales slightly enlarges
Ventrals 167-189; anal divided; subcaudals 117-124, paireds. Supralabials 9
(42 just touching; S% and 6 below eye); temporals 1+2 or 2+2. Maxillary teeth
31-33, posterior largest. (This can only be checked by carefully dissccting u dead
specimen).
Natural History? Behavior
Diurnal. Arboreal; inhabits low bushes and trees. Feeds on frogs, garden lizards, and
geckos. Occasionally eats small saakes and baby birds, Notched, sharply defined
edges of belly scales help it elimb. Compared to other bronzebacks, this is a slower
moving, calm snake, unlikely to bite when handled
Distribud
Endemie to India, Wet forests in lower hills of the southern
Western Ghats ~ ‘Jamil Nadu (Nilgiri and Ashambu ills,
77 Kalakad-Mundanthurai) and Kerala (Silent Valley, Wynad),
NCOMMON
Look-alikes
‘Common Bronzeback Tree Snake.
Juvenile Indian Rat Suske
4
E
A
É
4
4
E
ES
E
$
Large
Large-eyed Bronzeback Tree Si
NOX VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Dendrelaphis grandocul
ira 260mm (S009)
Description
Long, slender, slightly faut ‘ly broader than
neck; snout bluntly rounded. Very large eye hax round pupil. No black line behind
eye. Tail very loag, thin, wire-like. Belly scales (ventrals) and those under tail
ibcaudals) have sharp upward fold (keel). Olive-brown back, sometimes with
small, black, irregularly placed blotches, No dark stripe on side of body. Underside
pale brown in front, darker behind, sometimes with small black spots on sides.
Tail has 3 black lines one on esch side and one below. This is the only Indian
bronzchack with no black lino behind dhe eye and without a dark stripe on the sides
of te bocy.
Dendrelaphis grandoculis
Sealation/ Dentition
Scales in 15 : 15: 11 or 9 oblique rows, smooth, Vertebral scales slightly enlarges
Ventrals 167-189; anal divided; subcaudals 117-124, paireds. Supralabials 9
(42 just touching; S% and 6 below eye); temporals 1+2 or 2+2. Maxillary teeth
31-33, posterior largest. (This can only be checked by carefully dissccting u dead
specimen).
Natural History? Behavior
Diurnal. Arboreal; inhabits low bushes and trees. Feeds on frogs, garden lizards, and
geckos. Occasionally eats small saakes and baby birds, Notched, sharply defined
edges of belly scales help it elimb. Compared to other bronzebacks, this is a slower
moving, calm snake, unlikely to bite when handled
Distribud
Endemie to India, Wet forests in lower hills of the southern
Western Ghats ~ ‘Jamil Nadu (Nilgiri and Ashambu ills,
77 Kalakad-Mundanthurai) and Kerala (Silent Valley, Wynad),
NCOMMON
Look-alikes
‘Common Bronzeback Tree Snake.
Juvenile Indian Rat Suske
4
E
A
É
4
4
E
ES
E
$
Large
Common Bronzeback Tree Snake Dendrelaphis tristis
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON Alhatching 150tam (Gun)
Ads 10DUram (Sin)
Maxitaurs 1690 (67in)
Description
Long, slender, smooth-scaled. Head distinctly roader than neck; snout bluntly
rounded. Large eye has round pupil. Tail very long, thin and wire-like. Belly scales
and those under tail have outer edges sharp y folded upward (keel). Bronze-b:own
cor purplish-brown back with a dark brows or bleck stripe on either side of hody.
Indistinet black streak behind eye. Underside usually white, grey or pale green.
Young similar to adults but have faint handed pattern that is lost in the first year,
‘This species has a dack blue tongue. (A very similar looking species. the Painted
Bronzehuck Dendiviaphis pictus, has a bright red tongue). This is a useful ele
identification character. However, icentification must be confirmed by examining
the maxillary (apper jaw) teeth
Dendrelaphis tristis
Scalation# Dentitior
Scales in 15 : 15 : 11 o 9 oblique rows, smooth. Voricbral scales very slightly
enlarged on neck, Ventrals 163-197, with sharp, notched lateral keel: anal divided;
subcaudals 108-145, puired. Supralabials 9 (5% and 6" touching eye); 1 pre-,
2 postoculars; temporals 212. Maxillary teeth 17-22, posterior usually smallest.
Natural Histary/ Behavior i
Diurnal, Arboreal: inhabits ‘ow bushes, thorn trees, Indian date palms, and palmyra.
Feeds on frogs, garden lizards, geckos, and small birds, even entering thatch«
houses to feed, One captive ate 104 frogs ina year. Extremely fast Notchec, sharply
defined edges of belly scales help it climb, Car leap fom branch to branch, Females
lay 6-8 long, thin eggs (around April) in tree holes and rotting, vegstation, Nervous
disposition. If comered, some will strike repeatedly while exparding forebody to
show light blue/ white color at lower edge of each scale.
Distribution
= India: throughout most of peninsular India Gujarat
downwards; northeastern India to Darjeeling. May not
„57% oceur in Central India. Also Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh,
1 Sri Lanka. Found from sea level up to 2000m (6560) in
2
El
E
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3
El
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E
A
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El
o
z
the Himalayas E
8
| El
x El
E
Look-alikes E
Other bronzeback tree snakes 4
Sand snakes 2
184 185
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON Alhatching 150tam (Gun)
Ads 10DUram (Sin)
Maxitaurs 1690 (67in)
Description
Long, slender, smooth-scaled. Head distinctly roader than neck; snout bluntly
rounded. Large eye has round pupil. Tail very long, thin and wire-like. Belly scales
and those under tail have outer edges sharp y folded upward (keel). Bronze-b:own
cor purplish-brown back with a dark brows or bleck stripe on either side of hody.
Indistinet black streak behind eye. Underside usually white, grey or pale green.
Young similar to adults but have faint handed pattern that is lost in the first year,
‘This species has a dack blue tongue. (A very similar looking species. the Painted
Bronzehuck Dendiviaphis pictus, has a bright red tongue). This is a useful ele
identification character. However, icentification must be confirmed by examining
the maxillary (apper jaw) teeth
Dendrelaphis tristis
Scalation# Dentitior
Scales in 15 : 15 : 11 o 9 oblique rows, smooth. Voricbral scales very slightly
enlarged on neck, Ventrals 163-197, with sharp, notched lateral keel: anal divided;
subcaudals 108-145, puired. Supralabials 9 (5% and 6" touching eye); 1 pre-,
2 postoculars; temporals 212. Maxillary teeth 17-22, posterior usually smallest.
Natural Histary/ Behavior i
Diurnal, Arboreal: inhabits ‘ow bushes, thorn trees, Indian date palms, and palmyra.
Feeds on frogs, garden lizards, geckos, and small birds, even entering thatch«
houses to feed, One captive ate 104 frogs ina year. Extremely fast Notchec, sharply
defined edges of belly scales help it climb, Car leap fom branch to branch, Females
lay 6-8 long, thin eggs (around April) in tree holes and rotting, vegstation, Nervous
disposition. If comered, some will strike repeatedly while exparding forebody to
show light blue/ white color at lower edge of each scale.
Distribution
= India: throughout most of peninsular India Gujarat
downwards; northeastern India to Darjeeling. May not
„57% oceur in Central India. Also Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh,
1 Sri Lanka. Found from sea level up to 2000m (6560) in
2
El
E
ë
3
El
E
E
A
g
El
o
z
the Himalayas E
8
| El
x El
E
Look-alikes E
Other bronzeback tree snakes 4
Sand snakes 2
184 185
pupil. Tail very long. Yellow, greenish-yellow or pale green back with black cross i
bars. A series of large orange or red vertebral spots or rectangles lic heteer alternate
pairs of lack eross-bars, Blac
nf Mine PRANK TLLACK Ic ac
Ornate Flying Snake Chrysopelea ornata NE
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON ‘Ac hutehing 119-200mm NB
‘Adult 100m (39) Sle
Maximum 150mm (69m) BIE
Description ae
Tong, slender, smooth-scaled. Lead elongate; snout squarish; large eye hes round Be
Cle
head has yellow cross-bars and spots. Underside pale
greenish-yellow. Young black above, with narrow, pale greenish-yellow cross-bars.
Sealation
Scales in 17 : 17 : 15 cows; smooth or weakly keeled. Ventrals with
sharp, notched lateral keel; subcaudals 120-138, paired (India, Sri Lanka). Vent
213-234, with sharp, notched lateral keel; subcaudals 110-138, paired (S. E Asia)
Anal and last ventral dividec. Frontal bell-shaped: preocular 1; postoculars 2;
temporals 2+2; usually 9 supralabiels (4° to 6° touching eye).
length: 1000 (3%
Natural History? Behavior
Diurnal. Though arboreal, sometimes seen on low bushes or in grass. Doe
fly; glides by extending ribs and pulling in underside (to slow its descent I
parachute). Virtually swims throngh the ir and can glide a cistance of 100
Climbs remarkably well, aided by notcaed angular belly scales. Feeds on frogs,
geekos, lizards, small birds and even bats! Grooved, enlarged rear tevth help the
slightly toxic saliva enter its prey. Lays 6-12 elongate eggs in Jime-tuly.
Distribution
Es Indie: forested hills of the Southwest (south of the Goa
SE Gap); Bihar, Orissa; West Lengal, forests of Northerst
LA gp nd; possibly Mahareshtra and Gujarat. Also Sri Lak,
“MP Nepal, China, Myunmar and Bangladesh
Look-alikes
None in India
=
=
2
2
El
E
E
E
A
El
=
‘Ornate Flying Snake
188
bars. A series of large orange or red vertebral spots or rectangles lic heteer alternate
pairs of lack eross-bars, Blac
nf Mine PRANK TLLACK Ic ac
Ornate Flying Snake Chrysopelea ornata NE
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON ‘Ac hutehing 119-200mm NB
‘Adult 100m (39) Sle
Maximum 150mm (69m) BIE
Description ae
Tong, slender, smooth-scaled. Lead elongate; snout squarish; large eye hes round Be
Cle
head has yellow cross-bars and spots. Underside pale
greenish-yellow. Young black above, with narrow, pale greenish-yellow cross-bars.
Sealation
Scales in 17 : 17 : 15 cows; smooth or weakly keeled. Ventrals with
sharp, notched lateral keel; subcaudals 120-138, paired (India, Sri Lanka). Vent
213-234, with sharp, notched lateral keel; subcaudals 110-138, paired (S. E Asia)
Anal and last ventral dividec. Frontal bell-shaped: preocular 1; postoculars 2;
temporals 2+2; usually 9 supralabiels (4° to 6° touching eye).
length: 1000 (3%
Natural History? Behavior
Diurnal. Though arboreal, sometimes seen on low bushes or in grass. Doe
fly; glides by extending ribs and pulling in underside (to slow its descent I
parachute). Virtually swims throngh the ir and can glide a cistance of 100
Climbs remarkably well, aided by notcaed angular belly scales. Feeds on frogs,
geekos, lizards, small birds and even bats! Grooved, enlarged rear tevth help the
slightly toxic saliva enter its prey. Lays 6-12 elongate eggs in Jime-tuly.
Distribution
Es Indie: forested hills of the Southwest (south of the Goa
SE Gap); Bihar, Orissa; West Lengal, forests of Northerst
LA gp nd; possibly Mahareshtra and Gujarat. Also Sri Lak,
“MP Nepal, China, Myunmar and Bangladesh
Look-alikes
None in India
=
=
2
2
El
E
E
E
A
El
=
‘Ornate Flying Snake
188
Paradise Flying Snake
MILDLY VENOMOUS, RARE
Chrysopelea paradisi
Deseripti
Long, slender, sn;ooth-scaled, Head elongate; snout squarish; large eye has round
pupil. Tai very long, Black above; mos scales with a greenish-yellow spot or steak,
aiving he snake a bright appearance. Some snakes also have a series of ted or yellow
spots that resemblethree- or four-petaled flowers along the midback; spots on neck
lighter colored. Head black, with narow, grecnish-yellow cross-bends; last two
chevron-shaped. Tail black, with light green spots, Underside pale greenish-yellow:
with black-edged scales.
Sealation
Midbody scales in 17 rows, smooth or weakly keeled. Ventrals 198-238 with a
sharp, notched lateral keel; subcaudals 106-149, paired. Anal and last ventral
divided. Frontal bell-shaped. Supralzhials 9 or 10 (48 to 64 or Sand 6” touching
eye). Scalation data of specimen examined at the B.N.H.S. included, as there is
litle sealation data on €. paradisi trom India. S, 2875 from Narcondaw Island has
ventrals 216, lest paired; anal divided: subcaudals 124. Supralabials 9 (49 10 6%
touching eve); preveulur 1; postoculars 2; temporals 2-2.
Natural History! Behavior
Poorly know. Diursal and arhorezl. Glides by extending ribs and pulling in
urderside. Climbs swiftly aided by notched angular belly scales. Probably feeds
‘on frogs, geckos, lizards, small birds, and bats, like otter members of this genus
Grooved, enlarged rear teeth help slight'y toxic saliva enter the prey. Lays 5-8
ess.
Distribution
- India: limited to Narcondam Island (Andaman Islands).
à Also ‘Ihailané, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the
# Philippines.
Lookalikes
None in range.
190 Ñ
Vo scans CROSSMAN
3
E
EA
ssl
E
E
E
5
E
ES
E
S
2
E
ls]
El
El
5
MILDLY VENOMOUS, RARE
Chrysopelea paradisi
Deseripti
Long, slender, sn;ooth-scaled, Head elongate; snout squarish; large eye has round
pupil. Tai very long, Black above; mos scales with a greenish-yellow spot or steak,
aiving he snake a bright appearance. Some snakes also have a series of ted or yellow
spots that resemblethree- or four-petaled flowers along the midback; spots on neck
lighter colored. Head black, with narow, grecnish-yellow cross-bends; last two
chevron-shaped. Tail black, with light green spots, Underside pale greenish-yellow:
with black-edged scales.
Sealation
Midbody scales in 17 rows, smooth or weakly keeled. Ventrals 198-238 with a
sharp, notched lateral keel; subcaudals 106-149, paired. Anal and last ventral
divided. Frontal bell-shaped. Supralzhials 9 or 10 (48 to 64 or Sand 6” touching
eye). Scalation data of specimen examined at the B.N.H.S. included, as there is
litle sealation data on €. paradisi trom India. S, 2875 from Narcondaw Island has
ventrals 216, lest paired; anal divided: subcaudals 124. Supralabials 9 (49 10 6%
touching eve); preveulur 1; postoculars 2; temporals 2-2.
Natural History! Behavior
Poorly know. Diursal and arhorezl. Glides by extending ribs and pulling in
urderside. Climbs swiftly aided by notched angular belly scales. Probably feeds
‘on frogs, geckos, lizards, small birds, and bats, like otter members of this genus
Grooved, enlarged rear teeth help slight'y toxic saliva enter the prey. Lays 5-8
ess.
Distribution
- India: limited to Narcondam Island (Andaman Islands).
à Also ‘Ihailané, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the
# Philippines.
Lookalikes
None in range.
190 Ñ
Vo scans CROSSMAN
3
E
EA
ssl
E
E
E
5
E
ES
E
S
2
E
ls]
El
El
5
Travancore Wolf Snake
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON
Description
Slender-bodied; smooth-scaled, Flattened head slightly broader than neck, snout
broad. Eye emirely black. Glossy dark purplish-brown or black above with dull
yellow cross-lines or bands speckled with black. Snakes from the Nilgiris and Wynad
have bright yellow cross- ands. On sides of body, bands usually branch into two and
enclose triangular spots. First band on nape. Upper lip scales usually brown, may
be spotted with white, Underside uniform white. As these snakes are almost aways
encountered at night, its worth noting thatthe bands appear white urder a flashlight,
They are also white in preserved specin:ens. (The Common Wolf Snake, the Baured
Wolf Snake and the Yellow-spotied Wolf
ke, all have a similar pattern),
Scalation
Scales in 17 17 : 15 rows, smooth. Ventrals 176-206, angulate laterally; anal
undivided: subcandals 64-76, paired or some (rarely all entire. Loreal 1, nottouching
intesnasal (sometimes touches ocular); preocular 1; postoculars 2; tempozals 243 o:
supralabials 9 (34 10 5% touching eye).
Natural History? Behavior
Nocturnal. Usually found in the hills (in fac, an earlier common name was the Hill
Wolf Snake); known to enter houses, A tea estate bungalow at 1400m (45909) in the
hills near Tirunelveli was observed to be “crawling” with ‘Travancore Woif Snakes,
We have also found this species at nearly sea level in Maharashtra (Pharsad and
Dor). Exts skinks, geckos and frogs. Lays 2-6 cues in April-May. A gen‘le snake,
usually does not bite when handles.
Distribution
Endemic to India. The Western Ghats, as far north as
Maharashtra (Mstheran), Also recorded from Tamil
Nadu (South Arcot), Kerala, Orissa, Ancha Pradesh
(Vishakapatram) and Madhya Pradesh (Jabalpur). Repors
Of this species from Jammu de Kashonir es well as Pakistan
need confirmation
Look-alikes
Other wolf snakes.
Bridal Snake.
Common Krai
192
3
E
$
2
‘Travancore Wolf Snake
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON
Description
Slender-bodied; smooth-scaled, Flattened head slightly broader than neck, snout
broad. Eye emirely black. Glossy dark purplish-brown or black above with dull
yellow cross-lines or bands speckled with black. Snakes from the Nilgiris and Wynad
have bright yellow cross- ands. On sides of body, bands usually branch into two and
enclose triangular spots. First band on nape. Upper lip scales usually brown, may
be spotted with white, Underside uniform white. As these snakes are almost aways
encountered at night, its worth noting thatthe bands appear white urder a flashlight,
They are also white in preserved specin:ens. (The Common Wolf Snake, the Baured
Wolf Snake and the Yellow-spotied Wolf
ke, all have a similar pattern),
Scalation
Scales in 17 17 : 15 rows, smooth. Ventrals 176-206, angulate laterally; anal
undivided: subcandals 64-76, paired or some (rarely all entire. Loreal 1, nottouching
intesnasal (sometimes touches ocular); preocular 1; postoculars 2; tempozals 243 o:
supralabials 9 (34 10 5% touching eye).
Natural History? Behavior
Nocturnal. Usually found in the hills (in fac, an earlier common name was the Hill
Wolf Snake); known to enter houses, A tea estate bungalow at 1400m (45909) in the
hills near Tirunelveli was observed to be “crawling” with ‘Travancore Woif Snakes,
We have also found this species at nearly sea level in Maharashtra (Pharsad and
Dor). Exts skinks, geckos and frogs. Lays 2-6 cues in April-May. A gen‘le snake,
usually does not bite when handles.
Distribution
Endemic to India. The Western Ghats, as far north as
Maharashtra (Mstheran), Also recorded from Tamil
Nadu (South Arcot), Kerala, Orissa, Ancha Pradesh
(Vishakapatram) and Madhya Pradesh (Jabalpur). Repors
Of this species from Jammu de Kashonir es well as Pakistan
need confirmation
Look-alikes
Other wolf snakes.
Bridal Snake.
Common Krai
192
3
E
$
2
‘Travancore Wolf Snake
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON
Laotian Wolf Snake Eycodon lavensis
NON VENOMOUS, RARE, Maximin dm
Description
Sleadez bodied; smooth-scaled. I'lanened head slightly broader than neck
broad. Eye entirely Dlack. Glossy bluish-black back has broad, widely-spaced,
bright yellow or ochre cross-bemds on forebody (wider and white on sides): bands
on hind body namower, closer together, and enclose black, triangular patches on
ad and usually front upper lip scales bis black; other lip scales
and underside white or ercam. Back oThead hes well-defined band constricted in the
midéle (absent in Zeus Wolf Snake, a recently described look-alike)
Srows, smooth Ventrals 163-187, angulate Taterally; anal divided;
subeaudals 60-76, paired. Loreal 1, does not or barely touches internasal;
1, separates prefrontal from eye; postoculars 2; temporals 2-3; supralabial
Go 5° tous!
Natural History/ Behavior.
tual. Has been found hiding under bark of trees as high as 9m (3010) Like
‘other wolf snakes, climbs well. Usually feeds on skinks, lizards, frogs and small
ers and earthworms. ys up to $ eyes in April-May.
India: Arunachal Pradesh (Changlang distrie). Also most of
Southeast Asia (China, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia,
Malaysia). Not yet reported from Myanmar, but very likely
do be found there as i has been reported from adjacent areas
of Arunachal Pradesh.
Taokealikes
Other wolf snakes.
Kraits.
194
1
|
É
mm TO
Lycodon laoensis
Laotian Wolf Snake
NON VENOMOUS, RARE
E
NON VENOMOUS, RARE, Maximin dm
Description
Sleadez bodied; smooth-scaled. I'lanened head slightly broader than neck
broad. Eye entirely Dlack. Glossy bluish-black back has broad, widely-spaced,
bright yellow or ochre cross-bemds on forebody (wider and white on sides): bands
on hind body namower, closer together, and enclose black, triangular patches on
ad and usually front upper lip scales bis black; other lip scales
and underside white or ercam. Back oThead hes well-defined band constricted in the
midéle (absent in Zeus Wolf Snake, a recently described look-alike)
Srows, smooth Ventrals 163-187, angulate Taterally; anal divided;
subeaudals 60-76, paired. Loreal 1, does not or barely touches internasal;
1, separates prefrontal from eye; postoculars 2; temporals 2-3; supralabial
Go 5° tous!
Natural History/ Behavior.
tual. Has been found hiding under bark of trees as high as 9m (3010) Like
‘other wolf snakes, climbs well. Usually feeds on skinks, lizards, frogs and small
ers and earthworms. ys up to $ eyes in April-May.
India: Arunachal Pradesh (Changlang distrie). Also most of
Southeast Asia (China, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia,
Malaysia). Not yet reported from Myanmar, but very likely
do be found there as i has been reported from adjacent areas
of Arunachal Pradesh.
Taokealikes
Other wolf snakes.
Kraits.
194
1
|
É
mm TO
Lycodon laoensis
Laotian Wolf Snake
NON VENOMOUS, RARE
E
196
Yellow-speckled Wolf Snake Lycodon jara
NON VENOMOES, UNCOMMON
aim SS0mm (22m)
Deseription
Siender-bodied; smooths ned head slightly broader than neck. Saout
does nor project heyond lower jaw. Eye entirely black. Glossy brown or purplish
slack above, speckled with yellow (most upper body scales have two small yellow
or white spots’ shor: lines). Lip and belly scales white. Young have white or yellow
collar behind head,
Sealation
Seales in 17; 17; 15 cows, smooth. Ventrals 167-188, not angu‘ate laterally;
anal divided; subcandals 52-74, paired. Loreal 1, touches internasal; preocular 1;
postoculars 2; remporals 142 or 243; suprelabials 8 or 9 (3"'to 5” touching eye).
Natural History/ Behavior
Little is known about this attractive snake. Nectumal. Lats geckos. Lays eggs.
Distribution
India: Orissa (Ganjam). West Bengal to Arunachal Pradesh:
veste most records from Dehra Dun. Also Nepal and
get Bah
%
Look-alikes
Othe: wolf snakes,
Kraits.
|
|
Lycodon jara
asian 350
OMOUS, UNCOMMON
SONY
2
à
2
3
4
&
E
3
Yellow-speckled Wolf Snake Lycodon jara
NON VENOMOES, UNCOMMON
aim SS0mm (22m)
Deseription
Siender-bodied; smooths ned head slightly broader than neck. Saout
does nor project heyond lower jaw. Eye entirely black. Glossy brown or purplish
slack above, speckled with yellow (most upper body scales have two small yellow
or white spots’ shor: lines). Lip and belly scales white. Young have white or yellow
collar behind head,
Sealation
Seales in 17; 17; 15 cows, smooth. Ventrals 167-188, not angu‘ate laterally;
anal divided; subcandals 52-74, paired. Loreal 1, touches internasal; preocular 1;
postoculars 2; remporals 142 or 243; suprelabials 8 or 9 (3"'to 5” touching eye).
Natural History/ Behavior
Little is known about this attractive snake. Nectumal. Lats geckos. Lays eggs.
Distribution
India: Orissa (Ganjam). West Bengal to Arunachal Pradesh:
veste most records from Dehra Dun. Also Nepal and
get Bah
%
Look-alikes
Othe: wolf snakes,
Kraits.
|
|
Lycodon jara
asian 350
OMOUS, UNCOMMON
SONY
2
à
2
3
4
&
E
3
Barred Wolf Snake Lycodon striatus
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON
Description
Slender-bodied; sscooth-scaled. Mattened Head slightly Proader than neck, snout
broad, projects beyond lower jew. Eye entirely black. Glossy blackish-brown hack
has white, ochre or yellow cross-bunds that widen on sides to enclose triangular
spots, Bands ay be less distinct towards tail, White collar (sometimes Saint) usually
present. Lip scales and undersides white. Specimens from Matarashtra have white
bands with yellow (usually diamond-shaped) mid-spots and are often mistaken for
the Yellow-spotted Wolf Snake
Sealation
Scales in 17: 17: 15 ows, smooth, Ventrals (south of lat 20°) 154-166, (north of at
20°) 163-195; anal diviced; subcaudals paired (south of lat. 20°) 35-50, (north of lat.
20°) 44-58. Loreal 1, touches internal, preocular 1; postoculars 2; temperais 2 3,
rarely 112; supralabials 8 (3% to 5° touching eve),
Natural History/ Behavior
Noerumal. Usually terostriel. Bats geckos and skinks. Lays 2-4 eggs in August.
Both male and female have been found together with eggs. Unlike the Common
Wolf Snake, not terperamental and usually does not bite when handled.
Distribution
India: Most of Peninsular Indiz. From Jammu & Kastenir
(Jammu), Himachal Pradesh (Shimla) and Punjab in the
=, north lo Gujarat in the west; Uttar Pradesh (Agra) east to
Jharkhand (Chota Nagpur) and Orissa; from Maharashtra
through Karnataka, south to Tamil Nado. Also Pakistan,
Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Fourd from sea level up to about
1830m (6000).
Look-alikes
Yellow-spoued Woll Snake.
‘Yravancore Wol” Snake.
Common Krait.
198
Lycodon striatus
DETTE)
z
E
El
&
E
E
É
E
z
2
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON
Description
Slender-bodied; sscooth-scaled. Mattened Head slightly Proader than neck, snout
broad, projects beyond lower jew. Eye entirely black. Glossy blackish-brown hack
has white, ochre or yellow cross-bunds that widen on sides to enclose triangular
spots, Bands ay be less distinct towards tail, White collar (sometimes Saint) usually
present. Lip scales and undersides white. Specimens from Matarashtra have white
bands with yellow (usually diamond-shaped) mid-spots and are often mistaken for
the Yellow-spotted Wolf Snake
Sealation
Scales in 17: 17: 15 ows, smooth, Ventrals (south of lat 20°) 154-166, (north of at
20°) 163-195; anal diviced; subcaudals paired (south of lat. 20°) 35-50, (north of lat.
20°) 44-58. Loreal 1, touches internal, preocular 1; postoculars 2; temperais 2 3,
rarely 112; supralabials 8 (3% to 5° touching eve),
Natural History/ Behavior
Noerumal. Usually terostriel. Bats geckos and skinks. Lays 2-4 eggs in August.
Both male and female have been found together with eggs. Unlike the Common
Wolf Snake, not terperamental and usually does not bite when handled.
Distribution
India: Most of Peninsular Indiz. From Jammu & Kastenir
(Jammu), Himachal Pradesh (Shimla) and Punjab in the
=, north lo Gujarat in the west; Uttar Pradesh (Agra) east to
Jharkhand (Chota Nagpur) and Orissa; from Maharashtra
through Karnataka, south to Tamil Nado. Also Pakistan,
Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Fourd from sea level up to about
1830m (6000).
Look-alikes
Yellow-spoued Woll Snake.
‘Yravancore Wol” Snake.
Common Krait.
198
Lycodon striatus
DETTE)
z
E
El
&
E
E
É
E
z
2
Yellow-spotted Walf Snal
NON VENOMOUS, RARE
Description
Slender-rodicd; smooth-scaled. Flattened head slightly broader than neck,
snout broad, projects beyoné lower jaw. Eye entirely black. Glossy black above
(Gsigescent bluish-lack in sunlight) with a series of small, bright yellow spots along
the midbuck. Arising from the spots are yellow or white eross-bands that widen and
become indstiner on sides. Tip scales and underside white. (i: Maharashtra, yellow-
spotted forms of tae Barred Wolf Snake Lycodon striatus are frequently mistaken
for this species).
Seatation
Seales in 17 : 17 : 15 rows, smooth. Ventrals 165-182; anal divided; subcandals
3, pairs: lorcal 1, touchos internssal; preocular 1; postoculars 2; temporals 243;
supralabials 9 (3 to S* touching eye)
Natural History/ Behavior
Poorly known. Nocturnal. Ate geckos in eaptivily. Lays eggs. Unlike the Common
Wolf Snake, not temperamental and a.mast never bites when handled,
Distribution
Lndemic to India. Only recorded from a “ew places in and
around the Western Ghats of Maharashtra (Nesik, Pune,
Multi, Talegaon, Deolali, Dharwad, Sangli, Buldhana and
“Oudi"), À record from Gujarat needs confirmation
Look-alikes
Barred Wolf Snake.
Travancore Wolf Snake.
200
‘ellow-spotted Wolf Snake
NON VENOMOUS, RARE
NON VENOMOUS, RARE
Description
Slender-rodicd; smooth-scaled. Flattened head slightly broader than neck,
snout broad, projects beyoné lower jaw. Eye entirely black. Glossy black above
(Gsigescent bluish-lack in sunlight) with a series of small, bright yellow spots along
the midbuck. Arising from the spots are yellow or white eross-bands that widen and
become indstiner on sides. Tip scales and underside white. (i: Maharashtra, yellow-
spotted forms of tae Barred Wolf Snake Lycodon striatus are frequently mistaken
for this species).
Seatation
Seales in 17 : 17 : 15 rows, smooth. Ventrals 165-182; anal divided; subcandals
3, pairs: lorcal 1, touchos internssal; preocular 1; postoculars 2; temporals 243;
supralabials 9 (3 to S* touching eye)
Natural History/ Behavior
Poorly known. Nocturnal. Ate geckos in eaptivily. Lays eggs. Unlike the Common
Wolf Snake, not temperamental and a.mast never bites when handled,
Distribution
Lndemic to India. Only recorded from a “ew places in and
around the Western Ghats of Maharashtra (Nesik, Pune,
Multi, Talegaon, Deolali, Dharwad, Sangli, Buldhana and
“Oudi"), À record from Gujarat needs confirmation
Look-alikes
Barred Wolf Snake.
Travancore Wolf Snake.
200
‘ellow-spotted Wolf Snake
NON VENOMOUS, RARE
Lycodon au
At hztsning 140mm (ir)
Adal 300200 (12
Maximum 500 mm (2210)
Description
Slendorbodied; smooth-scaled. Flattened head slightly broader than neck; snout
broad, projects beyond lower jaw. Eye entirely black. Glossy gray, brown or black
above, usually with 10-20 narrow wh:te or yellow bands that fork on sides of body
Neck usually has whitish or yellowish collar. Bands most distinct on forebody and
either faint or entirely absent on hind body. Upper “ip white or spouted with browa,
Underside white. Some individuals are entirely unhanded. Often mistaken for th
Common Krait (which has enlarged hexagonal vertebral scales), other species of
‘wolf snakes or the rare Bridal Snake.
Sealation
Seales in 12: 17: 15 rows, smooth, Ventrals 172-214, strongly angulate laterally
anal divided; subcaudals 57-80, paired. Loreal |, in gooé contact with the internas,
ot touching eye; preocular 1; postoculars 2; temporals usually 212; suprala’
310 5° touching eye).
Natural History/ Behavior
Swictly nocturnal. Found in and around caves, wells, stone piles, hollow trees and
> in houses. Climbs rough vertical walls with case. Adults ect geckos and skins.
5 5-7 eggs in December-Jaruary in the Chennai region: March-July in North
Indio, Nervous, usually bites if handled.
Distribution
= Throughout India (including Lakshadweep but not the
Andeman & Nicobar Islands). Also Pakistan, Nepal, Sri
Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Old records from th
Maldives need to be reconfirmed, as they may be wrongly
identified Orientel Wolf Snakes (Lycodon capucinus).
Other wolf snakes
Common Kreit
Bridal Snake.
202
Lyeodon aulicus
E
E
Common Wolf Snake
At hztsning 140mm (ir)
Adal 300200 (12
Maximum 500 mm (2210)
Description
Slendorbodied; smooth-scaled. Flattened head slightly broader than neck; snout
broad, projects beyond lower jaw. Eye entirely black. Glossy gray, brown or black
above, usually with 10-20 narrow wh:te or yellow bands that fork on sides of body
Neck usually has whitish or yellowish collar. Bands most distinct on forebody and
either faint or entirely absent on hind body. Upper “ip white or spouted with browa,
Underside white. Some individuals are entirely unhanded. Often mistaken for th
Common Krait (which has enlarged hexagonal vertebral scales), other species of
‘wolf snakes or the rare Bridal Snake.
Sealation
Seales in 12: 17: 15 rows, smooth, Ventrals 172-214, strongly angulate laterally
anal divided; subcaudals 57-80, paired. Loreal |, in gooé contact with the internas,
ot touching eye; preocular 1; postoculars 2; temporals usually 212; suprala’
310 5° touching eye).
Natural History/ Behavior
Swictly nocturnal. Found in and around caves, wells, stone piles, hollow trees and
> in houses. Climbs rough vertical walls with case. Adults ect geckos and skins.
5 5-7 eggs in December-Jaruary in the Chennai region: March-July in North
Indio, Nervous, usually bites if handled.
Distribution
= Throughout India (including Lakshadweep but not the
Andeman & Nicobar Islands). Also Pakistan, Nepal, Sri
Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Old records from th
Maldives need to be reconfirmed, as they may be wrongly
identified Orientel Wolf Snakes (Lycodon capucinus).
Other wolf snakes
Common Kreit
Bridal Snake.
202
Lyeodon aulicus
E
E
Common Wolf Snake
Oriental Wolf Snake ycodon capueimus
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON Meximum 780.10 Gin)
Description
Slender-bodied; strooth-scaled. Flatenëd head slightly broader than neck; snout
broad, projects beyond lower jaw. Eye entirely black. Adults fom Andamans:
Almost entirely glossy coffee- or purplish-brown above; neck sometimes has very
faint band. Several scales on back with pale brown margins. Lip scales white,
sometimes with brown centers. Belly pearl-white. Juveniles from Andamans: Pale
Ik tea” brown with hold, dark caramel- or blackish-brown blotches on the back;
top of head dark brown; neck has indistinct band, usually notched in the middle, Pale
color of juveniles gradually darkens (with ago). Individuals om Southeast Asia
have a different palier.
Scalation
Scales in 17 : 17 (rarely 19) : 15 rows, smooth. Ventrals 187-210, angulate laterally;
anal divided; subcandals 61-78, pairec, Loreal 1, in good contact with the irternusal,
not touching eye; preocular 1; postoculars 2; temporals usually 2-2; supralabials
usually 9 (8% 10 5% touching eye),
Natural History’ Behavior
Nocturnal. Usually found on the ground el
buts. Eats geckos, scinks and frogs. La
stays near eggs.
ose 10 forest streams; sometimes found in
1 eggs that batch in 45-55 days. Female
Distribution
Incia: the Andaman and Centra! Nicobar Islands. Also
N probably the Maldives (nceds confirmation) and much of
d Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong,
! Philippines, Celebes).
Look-alikes
None.
204
Lycodon capucinus
Oriental Wolf Snake
Maximum 780mm Gl
ig
El
8
g
El
2
2
a
A
El
?
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON Meximum 780.10 Gin)
Description
Slender-bodied; strooth-scaled. Flatenëd head slightly broader than neck; snout
broad, projects beyond lower jaw. Eye entirely black. Adults fom Andamans:
Almost entirely glossy coffee- or purplish-brown above; neck sometimes has very
faint band. Several scales on back with pale brown margins. Lip scales white,
sometimes with brown centers. Belly pearl-white. Juveniles from Andamans: Pale
Ik tea” brown with hold, dark caramel- or blackish-brown blotches on the back;
top of head dark brown; neck has indistinct band, usually notched in the middle, Pale
color of juveniles gradually darkens (with ago). Individuals om Southeast Asia
have a different palier.
Scalation
Scales in 17 : 17 (rarely 19) : 15 rows, smooth. Ventrals 187-210, angulate laterally;
anal divided; subcandals 61-78, pairec, Loreal 1, in good contact with the irternusal,
not touching eye; preocular 1; postoculars 2; temporals usually 2-2; supralabials
usually 9 (8% 10 5% touching eye),
Natural History’ Behavior
Nocturnal. Usually found on the ground el
buts. Eats geckos, scinks and frogs. La
stays near eggs.
ose 10 forest streams; sometimes found in
1 eggs that batch in 45-55 days. Female
Distribution
Incia: the Andaman and Centra! Nicobar Islands. Also
N probably the Maldives (nceds confirmation) and much of
d Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong,
! Philippines, Celebes).
Look-alikes
None.
204
Lycodon capucinus
Oriental Wolf Snake
Maximum 780mm Gl
ig
El
8
g
El
2
2
a
A
El
?
Zaw’s Wolf Snake Lycodon zawi
NON VENOMOUS, RARE Maxima 480mm (1915)
Descripcion
‘Smooth scaled. Flattened head slightly broader than neck. Snout projects beyond
lower jaw. Eye entirely black. Glossy brownish-black above with thin, distinct,
arrow white eross-bands that fade towards hind body. Back of head without well.
defined band; when present, band very faint, Lip scales pale brown, Belly scales
cream with darker outer edges. Tail sometimes banded, (Look-alikes the Banded
Wolf Snake, Laotian Wolf Snake and the Common Wolf Snake almost always have
a distinct, well cefined collar).
Sealation
Seales smooth in 17 ; 17 : 15 roms,
7, anyulate laterally;
1, does not touch internasal; preocular
1; postoculars | or 2; temporals usually 243 (variations: 1+2, 2+1, 2-2 or 3-4)
supralabials 8 or 9 (34 to 5° touching eve).
Natural History? Behavior
Nocturnal. Often found near streams, Eats skinks. A captive spécimen ute geckos,
Distribution
ee India: known from a few localities south of the Brahmaputra
in Assam, Meghalaya and Mizoram. Also Myanmar,
Look-alikes
Other wolf snakes.
Kzsits,
206
avi
Lycodon
NON VENOMOUS, RARE Maxima 480mm (1915)
Descripcion
‘Smooth scaled. Flattened head slightly broader than neck. Snout projects beyond
lower jaw. Eye entirely black. Glossy brownish-black above with thin, distinct,
arrow white eross-bands that fade towards hind body. Back of head without well.
defined band; when present, band very faint, Lip scales pale brown, Belly scales
cream with darker outer edges. Tail sometimes banded, (Look-alikes the Banded
Wolf Snake, Laotian Wolf Snake and the Common Wolf Snake almost always have
a distinct, well cefined collar).
Sealation
Seales smooth in 17 ; 17 : 15 roms,
7, anyulate laterally;
1, does not touch internasal; preocular
1; postoculars | or 2; temporals usually 243 (variations: 1+2, 2+1, 2-2 or 3-4)
supralabials 8 or 9 (34 to 5° touching eve).
Natural History? Behavior
Nocturnal. Often found near streams, Eats skinks. A captive spécimen ute geckos,
Distribution
ee India: known from a few localities south of the Brahmaputra
in Assam, Meghalaya and Mizoram. Also Myanmar,
Look-alikes
Other wolf snakes.
Kzsits,
206
avi
Lycodon
Bridal Snake* Dryocalamus nympha
NON VENOMOUS, RARE Mein 20mm (in)
Deseription
‘Smooth-scaled. Dark brown or black back with ereamish-white bands 1
on the sides and break up on hind body. Each band is 3-4 scales wide: most of
the “band scales” have black spots. Upoer lip, back of head and neck creamish-
white, Resembles wolf snakes and the Common Krait to 2 remarkable
Bridal Snake has paired scales under the tail (unlike the Common Krait wi
entire subcaudal scales; rarely, a few may be peired). *Latin “nymnpha” a bride.
Tae yellow mark on the back 0° the hoad suggest a bridal weil (after Wall). Also
sometimes called Bridie Snaze.
at widen
Sealation
Seales in 13: 13 : 13 rows, smooth with apical pits, Ventrals 200-236, strongly
angulate laterally; anal divided, subcaudals 65-88, paired. One or two preoculars,
loreal touching eye or separated by a small preocular; 2 pos:oculars; temporals 2+2;
supralabials 6 or 7 (3% or 4% touching eye).
Natural History/ Behavior
Poorly known. Nocturnal. Found in plains end low hills. Good elimber. Often found
in houses possibly in search of geckos, Gentle in disposition. One hid its head under
body coils when disturbed.
Distribution
gu Indie: southern India to North Kerala in the west and to
Boe rissa in the csi, We have seen unpublished photographie
% y 0% records of this species
S “SSF distrien) Also Sri Lanka
‘om Andhra Pradesh (Chittoor
Look-alikes
Wolf snakes.
Common Krait
Dryocalamus nympha
‘Maxaman 520mm
2
E
E
El
E
5
E
A
$
A
Bridal Snake*
NON VENOMOUS, RARE Mein 20mm (in)
Deseription
‘Smooth-scaled. Dark brown or black back with ereamish-white bands 1
on the sides and break up on hind body. Each band is 3-4 scales wide: most of
the “band scales” have black spots. Upoer lip, back of head and neck creamish-
white, Resembles wolf snakes and the Common Krait to 2 remarkable
Bridal Snake has paired scales under the tail (unlike the Common Krait wi
entire subcaudal scales; rarely, a few may be peired). *Latin “nymnpha” a bride.
Tae yellow mark on the back 0° the hoad suggest a bridal weil (after Wall). Also
sometimes called Bridie Snaze.
at widen
Sealation
Seales in 13: 13 : 13 rows, smooth with apical pits, Ventrals 200-236, strongly
angulate laterally; anal divided, subcaudals 65-88, paired. One or two preoculars,
loreal touching eye or separated by a small preocular; 2 pos:oculars; temporals 2+2;
supralabials 6 or 7 (3% or 4% touching eye).
Natural History/ Behavior
Poorly known. Nocturnal. Found in plains end low hills. Good elimber. Often found
in houses possibly in search of geckos, Gentle in disposition. One hid its head under
body coils when disturbed.
Distribution
gu Indie: southern India to North Kerala in the west and to
Boe rissa in the csi, We have seen unpublished photographie
% y 0% records of this species
S “SSF distrien) Also Sri Lanka
‘om Andhra Pradesh (Chittoor
Look-alikes
Wolf snakes.
Common Krait
Dryocalamus nympha
‘Maxaman 520mm
2
E
E
El
E
5
E
A
$
A
Bridal Snake*
|
I
c ¡caded Snake Sibynophis coila
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON IN PARTS ONRANGE Maur 8501 (
in)
collaris
Deseriptio
Slenderbodied, smooth-scaled. Head slightly broader than neck; eye has round
pupil. Tel long, gradually tapered. Rody and tail brown above, usually with a
series of small bleck dots along micback. Head grayich-brown with tiny brown or
black spots and two black cross-bands. Nape has broad black eross-band, bordered
behind by a dull yellowish-white line. Upper lip scales white or yellow, spotted and
bordered on top with browa or black, ‘Tongue brown. Underside while or yellow.
Euch [orebody belly scale has four black dots; each hindbody belly scale nas two,
Maximum RS
Sealation
Seales in 17: 17: 17 rows, smooth. Ventrals 155-188; anal scale divided; subcaudals
92-125, paired, Suprulabials 10 (4% to 6* touching eye), rarely 9 or 11; preocular 1;
postoculars 2; anterior temporal | (touching 2% supralubial); parietal touches upper
postocular only, or barely touches lower
Natural History’ Behavior
Probably active by day and night, like other black-headed snakes. A montane species
found in Will forests, often in dense undergrowth. Kats skinks, lizards, and frogs;
one had swallowed a snake, Lays up to 6 eggs in June; one seen by us in Arunachal
Pradesh (late May) prematurely deposited a large, oval, white cu (8010210),
Inoffemsive. Ifhandled, may coil hinébody and tal around fingers; possidly constrict
prey in a similar fashion. Anal gland secretion smells of cheap tobacco.
Distribution
» Indie: Himalayas om Shim‘a to the Northeast (Mishmi
ills, Patkai Hills). Fairly common in parts of its rang
A single record from Kolkata was probably washed down
by floods. Also Nepal, Chine, Myanmar, ‘Thailand, and
Malaysia. Found up 1o 3050m (10,0001.
Tookealikes
<
E
E
2
á
hei
Ole lc headed estes, E
E
&
E
&
$
Collared Black-headed Snake
210
I
c ¡caded Snake Sibynophis coila
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON IN PARTS ONRANGE Maur 8501 (
in)
collaris
Deseriptio
Slenderbodied, smooth-scaled. Head slightly broader than neck; eye has round
pupil. Tel long, gradually tapered. Rody and tail brown above, usually with a
series of small bleck dots along micback. Head grayich-brown with tiny brown or
black spots and two black cross-bands. Nape has broad black eross-band, bordered
behind by a dull yellowish-white line. Upper lip scales white or yellow, spotted and
bordered on top with browa or black, ‘Tongue brown. Underside while or yellow.
Euch [orebody belly scale has four black dots; each hindbody belly scale nas two,
Maximum RS
Sealation
Seales in 17: 17: 17 rows, smooth. Ventrals 155-188; anal scale divided; subcaudals
92-125, paired, Suprulabials 10 (4% to 6* touching eye), rarely 9 or 11; preocular 1;
postoculars 2; anterior temporal | (touching 2% supralubial); parietal touches upper
postocular only, or barely touches lower
Natural History’ Behavior
Probably active by day and night, like other black-headed snakes. A montane species
found in Will forests, often in dense undergrowth. Kats skinks, lizards, and frogs;
one had swallowed a snake, Lays up to 6 eggs in June; one seen by us in Arunachal
Pradesh (late May) prematurely deposited a large, oval, white cu (8010210),
Inoffemsive. Ifhandled, may coil hinébody and tal around fingers; possidly constrict
prey in a similar fashion. Anal gland secretion smells of cheap tobacco.
Distribution
» Indie: Himalayas om Shim‘a to the Northeast (Mishmi
ills, Patkai Hills). Fairly common in parts of its rang
A single record from Kolkata was probably washed down
by floods. Also Nepal, Chine, Myanmar, ‘Thailand, and
Malaysia. Found up 1o 3050m (10,0001.
Tookealikes
<
E
E
2
á
hei
Ole lc headed estes, E
E
&
E
&
$
Collared Black-headed Snake
210
Duméril's Black-headed Snake Sibynophis subpunctatus
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON “Adults 250mm (103)
Maximum 460mm {Sin
Description
Slender-bodied, smooth-scaled. Heed slightly broader than neck; eye has round
pupil. Tail long, gradually tapering, without black sings. Body and tail brown
above, with a series of tiny black dots tha: run along the midback. Sides of body
often grey, separated from brown back, by a dark line or dark spots, Szecimens
from Maharasltre Lave reddish-brown forebody; paler brown bind body and mi.
Head black with white or pale yellow markings. Neck has white collar. Undezsido
‘greenish-yellow; belly scales with a black dot on each side. Often confused with tae
‘Venomous Slender Coral Sñake (which has a coral red belly and two distinct black
rings on its very shor tail.
Scalation/ Dentition
Seules in 17 : 17 : 17 zows, smooth, Ventrals: 151-200 (India south of latitude
14°, Sri Lanka), 172-215 (India north of lat. 18°, Matheren, Nasik district, Central
India, Bengal); anal scale divided; subeaudals: males 60-76, females 54-63, paired.
Supralabials 9 (4% to 6" touching eye), rarcly 8 (3° 10 5° touchiag eye); preocular
1: postoculars 2; anterior temporals 2; parietal touches both postoculars. Maxillary
teeta 42-48
Natural History’ Behavior
Active by day and night. Terrestrial, Lives in leaf litter; has been found under stones
and logs. Pzeys on geckos, skinks and smaller snakes. Lays 2-5 eggs.
Distri
¿a Peninsular India: (extent not precisely known) south of
x Rajasthan and south of the Ganges Valley. Also Sri Lanka,
+, Bangladesh and Nepal.
Look-alikes
Slender Coral Snake.
Other black-hexded su
E
E
=
Duméril’s Black-headed Snake
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON “Adults 250mm (103)
Maximum 460mm {Sin
Description
Slender-bodied, smooth-scaled. Heed slightly broader than neck; eye has round
pupil. Tail long, gradually tapering, without black sings. Body and tail brown
above, with a series of tiny black dots tha: run along the midback. Sides of body
often grey, separated from brown back, by a dark line or dark spots, Szecimens
from Maharasltre Lave reddish-brown forebody; paler brown bind body and mi.
Head black with white or pale yellow markings. Neck has white collar. Undezsido
‘greenish-yellow; belly scales with a black dot on each side. Often confused with tae
‘Venomous Slender Coral Sñake (which has a coral red belly and two distinct black
rings on its very shor tail.
Scalation/ Dentition
Seules in 17 : 17 : 17 zows, smooth, Ventrals: 151-200 (India south of latitude
14°, Sri Lanka), 172-215 (India north of lat. 18°, Matheren, Nasik district, Central
India, Bengal); anal scale divided; subeaudals: males 60-76, females 54-63, paired.
Supralabials 9 (4% to 6" touching eye), rarcly 8 (3° 10 5° touchiag eye); preocular
1: postoculars 2; anterior temporals 2; parietal touches both postoculars. Maxillary
teeta 42-48
Natural History’ Behavior
Active by day and night. Terrestrial, Lives in leaf litter; has been found under stones
and logs. Pzeys on geckos, skinks and smaller snakes. Lays 2-5 eggs.
Distri
¿a Peninsular India: (extent not precisely known) south of
x Rajasthan and south of the Ganges Valley. Also Sri Lanka,
+, Bangladesh and Nepal.
Look-alikes
Slender Coral Snake.
Other black-hexded su
E
E
=
Duméril’s Black-headed Snake
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Venning’s Keelback
NON VENOMOUS, RA
Imphiesma venningi
Maximum 73mm GT)
Description
Slender-hodicd wih weakly keeled scales. Head broader than neck; eye has round
pupil, Tail long. Olive brown back with (sometimes indistine:) black checks or
spots. Sides of forebody with brownish-yellow (ochre) spots. Top of head with pale
brown, worm-like markings. Upper lip scales pale brownish-yellow, their posterior
margins edged with black. Back of head with thin, buckward-pointing U shaped
mark - broken in the middle, Lower lip scales and first few belly scales white; others
coral red or orange with pale brown outer edges, smucged with black. longue black.
Underside of tail bluckish-hrown,
Sealation
Seales in 17 rows throughout, keeled, Ventrals 155-176; anal divided; subeaudals
81-140, paired. Internasals truncate, but distincily narrowed anteriorly. Supralabials
9 (4° to 6" toucting eye); tempora:s 1-1 or 112: preoculars ! or 2; postoculars ? or
Natural History/ Behavior
Specimens from Arunachal Pradesh were found near hill streams, close to disturbed
vergrecn monuane forest. Feeds on tadpoles and frogs. InoFensive. When handled,
coil hind>ody and tail around fingers and make no attemp: to bite
istribution
India: Arunacha! Pradesh (Pati HIS) ut 100m (341000)
Meghalaya (Jayantia Mills). Also Myanmar and China.
Look-alikes
Other keelbacks.
RARE
=
=
4
>
NON VENOMOU:
214
NON VENOMOUS, RA
Imphiesma venningi
Maximum 73mm GT)
Description
Slender-hodicd wih weakly keeled scales. Head broader than neck; eye has round
pupil, Tail long. Olive brown back with (sometimes indistine:) black checks or
spots. Sides of forebody with brownish-yellow (ochre) spots. Top of head with pale
brown, worm-like markings. Upper lip scales pale brownish-yellow, their posterior
margins edged with black. Back of head with thin, buckward-pointing U shaped
mark - broken in the middle, Lower lip scales and first few belly scales white; others
coral red or orange with pale brown outer edges, smucged with black. longue black.
Underside of tail bluckish-hrown,
Sealation
Seales in 17 rows throughout, keeled, Ventrals 155-176; anal divided; subeaudals
81-140, paired. Internasals truncate, but distincily narrowed anteriorly. Supralabials
9 (4° to 6" toucting eye); tempora:s 1-1 or 112: preoculars ! or 2; postoculars ? or
Natural History/ Behavior
Specimens from Arunachal Pradesh were found near hill streams, close to disturbed
vergrecn monuane forest. Feeds on tadpoles and frogs. InoFensive. When handled,
coil hind>ody and tail around fingers and make no attemp: to bite
istribution
India: Arunacha! Pradesh (Pati HIS) ut 100m (341000)
Meghalaya (Jayantia Mills). Also Myanmar and China.
Look-alikes
Other keelbacks.
RARE
=
=
4
>
NON VENOMOU:
214
-—oom
‘RIVA SAOKONTA NON
RTE
‘RIVA SAOKONTA NON
RTE
Khasi Hills Keelback
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON
Description
Slencer bodied: scales strongly keelec. Head broader than neck; large eye has
rourd pupil. Three dark blackisa-brown stripes on the back that
our cherry=reddish-brown stripes. Uppermest siripo dark blue
usually indistinct. Top of head grayisa-brown with pale brown, worm-like marks.
Lip scales white with bleckish-brown edges; pattern continues on to sides of neck.
Tongue black. Belly scales white; outer edges che:ry-reddish-brown ard form part
ofthe lowest stripe
Scalation
Seales in 19 : 19 : 17 rows, kecled. Ventrals 143-155: anal divided: subcaudals
110, paired. Supralabiels 9 (4° 10 6 touching eye), rarely 8; preoculars
1 or 2; postoculars 3; temporals 141 or 142, rarely 2+1 or 242. Internasals truncate
anteriorly. A juvenile wich 143 ventrals and umbilical sear on 127-129: ventral
was found on 20% June, 1909
Natural History/ Behavior
‘Durval and terrestrial. Fats tadpoles and frogs. A juvenile was seen moving towards
a puddle that contained small frogs and tadpoles in the early morning (0500 hrs).
Lays eggs; young observed in Jane and October. When handied, will attempt to
rs with Lail and hindbody. Curiously, most adults and juveniles have
missing tal tips.
Distribution
a India: Meghalaya (Khasi and Gero Hills) to Arunachal
SÉ Pradesh (Changlang district), Also Myanmar
Look-alikes
Other keelhacks,
218
Amphiesma khasiense
Khasi Hills Keelback
E
El
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON
Description
Slencer bodied: scales strongly keelec. Head broader than neck; large eye has
rourd pupil. Three dark blackisa-brown stripes on the back that
our cherry=reddish-brown stripes. Uppermest siripo dark blue
usually indistinct. Top of head grayisa-brown with pale brown, worm-like marks.
Lip scales white with bleckish-brown edges; pattern continues on to sides of neck.
Tongue black. Belly scales white; outer edges che:ry-reddish-brown ard form part
ofthe lowest stripe
Scalation
Seales in 19 : 19 : 17 rows, kecled. Ventrals 143-155: anal divided: subcaudals
110, paired. Supralabiels 9 (4° 10 6 touching eye), rarely 8; preoculars
1 or 2; postoculars 3; temporals 141 or 142, rarely 2+1 or 242. Internasals truncate
anteriorly. A juvenile wich 143 ventrals and umbilical sear on 127-129: ventral
was found on 20% June, 1909
Natural History/ Behavior
‘Durval and terrestrial. Fats tadpoles and frogs. A juvenile was seen moving towards
a puddle that contained small frogs and tadpoles in the early morning (0500 hrs).
Lays eggs; young observed in Jane and October. When handied, will attempt to
rs with Lail and hindbody. Curiously, most adults and juveniles have
missing tal tips.
Distribution
a India: Meghalaya (Khasi and Gero Hills) to Arunachal
SÉ Pradesh (Changlang district), Also Myanmar
Look-alikes
Other keelhacks,
218
Amphiesma khasiense
Khasi Hills Keelback
E
El
Amphiesma xenurá
Gem
lack back, with a series of paired rus:-orange, pale brown, yellow or
white spots on each side of upper back, Adjacen spots sometimes connected by faint
black eross-lines, Some older snakes almost entirely gray. White dotted lin
behind eye curves onto neck; another from behind mouth joins thi
white, separated by black lines. Juveniles often have light colored scales on head.
Belly scales white or yellow; their outer edges have dark brown spots. Color beneath
til much darker
E
El
Sealation
Seales in 19 sows at midbody, strongly keeled. Ventrals 158-165; anal entire or
divided; subeandals 81-107 entire. Preocular 1; postoculars 3; supralabials usually
9 (3% and 4 touching eye); temporals 242; internasals as long es or shorter than
preffontals. The only keelback in the region with entire suheaudals. 6
Natural llistory/ Behavior
‘Almost unkaown. Has been found near small streams in grassy patches. Lays eggs.
Distribution
= Eidemte to india, Present known from three localities in
Northeast India ~ Meghalaya (K 2e Hills), Nagaland (wear
+, Kohima) and Mizoram (Palek Lake)
Lookalikes
Other keelbacks.
Cherrapunji Keelback
NON VENOMOUS, RARE
20 4
221
Gem
lack back, with a series of paired rus:-orange, pale brown, yellow or
white spots on each side of upper back, Adjacen spots sometimes connected by faint
black eross-lines, Some older snakes almost entirely gray. White dotted lin
behind eye curves onto neck; another from behind mouth joins thi
white, separated by black lines. Juveniles often have light colored scales on head.
Belly scales white or yellow; their outer edges have dark brown spots. Color beneath
til much darker
E
El
Sealation
Seales in 19 sows at midbody, strongly keeled. Ventrals 158-165; anal entire or
divided; subeandals 81-107 entire. Preocular 1; postoculars 3; supralabials usually
9 (3% and 4 touching eye); temporals 242; internasals as long es or shorter than
preffontals. The only keelback in the region with entire suheaudals. 6
Natural llistory/ Behavior
‘Almost unkaown. Has been found near small streams in grassy patches. Lays eggs.
Distribution
= Eidemte to india, Present known from three localities in
Northeast India ~ Meghalaya (K 2e Hills), Nagaland (wear
+, Kohima) and Mizoram (Palek Lake)
Lookalikes
Other keelbacks.
Cherrapunji Keelback
NON VENOMOUS, RARE
20 4
221
Checkered Keclhack Xenochrophis piscator
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON Arhaiching 12521500 (01)
Adults 6er in)
Maximum {750nsu (69)
Descriptio
Seales keeled. Head broader than neck. Lye has round pupil. Two bold black streaks
‘one below, the other from eye to angle of mouth. Glossy olive green, olive brown,
yellow, brown, gray or black, usually with a checkered body pattem. Pattern may
‘vary from light markings to bold, black, closely set spots or checks. Region between
“checks” sometimes marked with varying shades of pink or red. Uncerside glossy
white or yellowish-white,
Sealation
Seales in 19 rows at midhidy, keeled, Ventzals 122-158: anal usually div
subesudals (60) 70-97, paired. Tricrmasals distinctly narrowed unter
Supralabia’s 9 (4% and 5% touching eye, 6* excluded by lowest postocu:ar): preocv lar
1; postoculars 3; temporals 242 or 243
Natural History? Behavior
‘Active by day end nigh, Found in and around freshwater bodies and paddy fields
Perhaps the most plentiful snake ia India, Many are killed on roads aller the first
rains arrive. Young feed on frog eggs, tadpoles, and water insects; older snakes cat
fish, frogs, occesiomally redents ard birds. Lays up to 90 caes December March in
rat tunnels, holes in wells. walls or field embankments, and steys with them until
they hatch in 60-70 days. Aggressive when threatened or comered. Though they bite
readily when stepped on or caught, we have swum in pouds inhabited by Checkered
Keelbacks without ever being bitten, Will sidewind rapidly over hard ground to
escape. When excited, flattens heed, extends neck ribs, and rears up. Sometimes
‘mistaken for a cobra in this position
Distribution
‘Throughout India and the rest of South Asia except the
‘Andaman de Nicobar Islands.
T.vak-alikes
Olive Keelback,
Cobras.
Common Sn
22
oth scaled Water Snake,
ort SU SARAVANAKUMAR,
Xenochrophis piscator
E
E
=
2
=
El
4
E
3
Sram GP)
Elam (Says acs
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON Arhaiching 12521500 (01)
Adults 6er in)
Maximum {750nsu (69)
Descriptio
Seales keeled. Head broader than neck. Lye has round pupil. Two bold black streaks
‘one below, the other from eye to angle of mouth. Glossy olive green, olive brown,
yellow, brown, gray or black, usually with a checkered body pattem. Pattern may
‘vary from light markings to bold, black, closely set spots or checks. Region between
“checks” sometimes marked with varying shades of pink or red. Uncerside glossy
white or yellowish-white,
Sealation
Seales in 19 rows at midhidy, keeled, Ventzals 122-158: anal usually div
subesudals (60) 70-97, paired. Tricrmasals distinctly narrowed unter
Supralabia’s 9 (4% and 5% touching eye, 6* excluded by lowest postocu:ar): preocv lar
1; postoculars 3; temporals 242 or 243
Natural History? Behavior
‘Active by day end nigh, Found in and around freshwater bodies and paddy fields
Perhaps the most plentiful snake ia India, Many are killed on roads aller the first
rains arrive. Young feed on frog eggs, tadpoles, and water insects; older snakes cat
fish, frogs, occesiomally redents ard birds. Lays up to 90 caes December March in
rat tunnels, holes in wells. walls or field embankments, and steys with them until
they hatch in 60-70 days. Aggressive when threatened or comered. Though they bite
readily when stepped on or caught, we have swum in pouds inhabited by Checkered
Keelbacks without ever being bitten, Will sidewind rapidly over hard ground to
escape. When excited, flattens heed, extends neck ribs, and rears up. Sometimes
‘mistaken for a cobra in this position
Distribution
‘Throughout India and the rest of South Asia except the
‘Andaman de Nicobar Islands.
T.vak-alikes
Olive Keelback,
Cobras.
Common Sn
22
oth scaled Water Snake,
ort SU SARAVANAKUMAR,
Xenochrophis piscator
E
E
=
2
=
El
4
E
3
Sram GP)
Elam (Says acs
St. John’s Keelback Xenochrophis sanctijohannis
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON IN PARTS OFRANGE Vaximury 109Smm (3)
Description
Scales smooth or very weak y keeled, Head broader thax neck. Eye hi
Black streak absent behind and below eye. Almost
olive-gray. Some adulls may have a zigzag pattern or a few dark scales scattered in
low scales. Underside glossy white or yellowish-white. Juveniles
resemole adults or are uniform olive green. (The look-alike Checkered Keelback
Water Snake has two usually conspicuous, black streaks behind eye ard usually has
distneily keeled scales).
round pupil
form gloss silver-pray or dark
Sealation
Seales in 19 rows at midbody; weakly keeled, outer 3 rows smooth. Ventrals
139-159; anal usually divided; subeaudals 80-98. Internasals distinctly
anteriorly: Supralabials 9 (4% or 4% and 5* touching eye); infralabils 10; pre
1; postoculars 2 or 3, rarely 4; temporals 242 or 243,
Natural Histors/ Behavior
Probably active by day and night. Similar in habit to the Checkered Keelack Water
Snake, except this species usuelly prefers higher elevation, Found in and around
freshwater bocies and paddy fields. Feeds on fish, frogs and small rodents, May
hibernate during cooler montas. One was seen lying, under a log where it remained
from October to late December. Aggressive when threatened, cornered os handled,
‘When excited, flatters head, extends neck ribs and rea:s up.
istribution
India: Arunachal Pradesh (Chenglang district), Jammu
& Kaslmir, Himachal Pradesh (Kulu), West Rengal
2, (Darjeling) and “Chanda”. Also Pakistan and Nepal. Found
f* between 407-1400m (1335-46008),
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON IN PARTS OF RANGE
El
Loolcaties É
Checkered Keciback 3
=
E
E
E
za 25
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON IN PARTS OFRANGE Vaximury 109Smm (3)
Description
Scales smooth or very weak y keeled, Head broader thax neck. Eye hi
Black streak absent behind and below eye. Almost
olive-gray. Some adulls may have a zigzag pattern or a few dark scales scattered in
low scales. Underside glossy white or yellowish-white. Juveniles
resemole adults or are uniform olive green. (The look-alike Checkered Keelback
Water Snake has two usually conspicuous, black streaks behind eye ard usually has
distneily keeled scales).
round pupil
form gloss silver-pray or dark
Sealation
Seales in 19 rows at midbody; weakly keeled, outer 3 rows smooth. Ventrals
139-159; anal usually divided; subeaudals 80-98. Internasals distinctly
anteriorly: Supralabials 9 (4% or 4% and 5* touching eye); infralabils 10; pre
1; postoculars 2 or 3, rarely 4; temporals 242 or 243,
Natural Histors/ Behavior
Probably active by day and night. Similar in habit to the Checkered Keelack Water
Snake, except this species usuelly prefers higher elevation, Found in and around
freshwater bocies and paddy fields. Feeds on fish, frogs and small rodents, May
hibernate during cooler montas. One was seen lying, under a log where it remained
from October to late December. Aggressive when threatened, cornered os handled,
‘When excited, flatters head, extends neck ribs and rea:s up.
istribution
India: Arunachal Pradesh (Chenglang district), Jammu
& Kaslmir, Himachal Pradesh (Kulu), West Rengal
2, (Darjeling) and “Chanda”. Also Pakistan and Nepal. Found
f* between 407-1400m (1335-46008),
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON IN PARTS OF RANGE
El
Loolcaties É
Checkered Keciback 3
=
E
E
E
za 25
Andaman Keelback
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON
Xenochrophis melanzostus
Maxima 1090 (On)
Description
Stout-bodied: scales strongly keeled. Head brosder than neck. Eye has round pupil.
Two bold black streaks — one below, other behind eye. Pale brown with bleck
stripes, blotches or both. Body pattern extremely varieble. Three typical forms:
6) Scales most strongly keeled of all forms. Cream or enamel white with a series
of large, squarish, dark brown, black-edged blotches on either side of vertebral
line. Blotches entirely black, paired or alternate. Sometimes an additional series of
smaller, squerish spots on lower side of ody. Underside ereum, some belly scales
have black outer margins. (ii) Pale brown, stripes from neck to midbody. There may
be two broad, bleck stripes separated by ¢ thin, pale brown vertebral Line; or the
“stripe” may consist of an irzegular fusion of thick, black bars - separated by pele
brown lines. Hindhody and tail have large. black (sometimes light-contercd) spots
— those on sides of tail may join to form a line. Underside cream, some belly scales
have black outer edges. (i) Pale brown with 4-5 black or dark brown stipes along,
entire length of body and ail, Stripes narrower and Tess distinct on hindbody, lateral
s o2en broken into a dotted line on eact: side of tail. Lip scales and underside
cream. Juveriles have additional narrower, pinkish-browin stripes, the colo: of which.
is only on scale edges.
Sealation
Scalesin 19: 19: 1? rows, keeled, Ventrals 135-152; nal divided or entire; subcaudals
(59) 74-89, paireé. Inrerrasals distinctly narrowed anceriorly. Supralshials 9 (4° and
5° touchirg eye); preocular 1; postoculars 3; temporals 2-2 or 243,
Natural History/ Behavior
Mostly stoctumal, occesionally diurna. Yound in and around freshwater bodies and
paddy fields. The most common snake on the islands, especially during the rains.
Feeds on frogs, fish, and skinks. Lays 10-30 eggs and probably stays with them
during incubatior. When alarmed, fatiens head, extends neck ribs, and rears up.
Aggressive enc saappy when threatened or comered,
Distribution
India: Andaman and poss:bly Nicobar Islands. Also many
1 islands in Souhhesst Asia, including Java and Sumatra.
F
N Look-alikes
None
226
UNENILE- Cube Doy Mile Anna slid Inka
Sat GHODKE
Xenochrophis melanzostus
z
&
E
3|s
315
BIS.
Ble
312
FE
El
gle
EIG
E
516
<IZ
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON
Xenochrophis melanzostus
Maxima 1090 (On)
Description
Stout-bodied: scales strongly keeled. Head brosder than neck. Eye has round pupil.
Two bold black streaks — one below, other behind eye. Pale brown with bleck
stripes, blotches or both. Body pattern extremely varieble. Three typical forms:
6) Scales most strongly keeled of all forms. Cream or enamel white with a series
of large, squarish, dark brown, black-edged blotches on either side of vertebral
line. Blotches entirely black, paired or alternate. Sometimes an additional series of
smaller, squerish spots on lower side of ody. Underside ereum, some belly scales
have black outer margins. (ii) Pale brown, stripes from neck to midbody. There may
be two broad, bleck stripes separated by ¢ thin, pale brown vertebral Line; or the
“stripe” may consist of an irzegular fusion of thick, black bars - separated by pele
brown lines. Hindhody and tail have large. black (sometimes light-contercd) spots
— those on sides of tail may join to form a line. Underside cream, some belly scales
have black outer edges. (i) Pale brown with 4-5 black or dark brown stipes along,
entire length of body and ail, Stripes narrower and Tess distinct on hindbody, lateral
s o2en broken into a dotted line on eact: side of tail. Lip scales and underside
cream. Juveriles have additional narrower, pinkish-browin stripes, the colo: of which.
is only on scale edges.
Sealation
Scalesin 19: 19: 1? rows, keeled, Ventrals 135-152; nal divided or entire; subcaudals
(59) 74-89, paireé. Inrerrasals distinctly narrowed anceriorly. Supralshials 9 (4° and
5° touchirg eye); preocular 1; postoculars 3; temporals 2-2 or 243,
Natural History/ Behavior
Mostly stoctumal, occesionally diurna. Yound in and around freshwater bodies and
paddy fields. The most common snake on the islands, especially during the rains.
Feeds on frogs, fish, and skinks. Lays 10-30 eggs and probably stays with them
during incubatior. When alarmed, fatiens head, extends neck ribs, and rears up.
Aggressive enc saappy when threatened or comered,
Distribution
India: Andaman and poss:bly Nicobar Islands. Also many
1 islands in Souhhesst Asia, including Java and Sumatra.
F
N Look-alikes
None
226
UNENILE- Cube Doy Mile Anna slid Inka
Sat GHODKE
Xenochrophis melanzostus
z
&
E
3|s
315
BIS.
Ble
312
FE
El
gle
EIG
E
516
<IZ
Biss no Ine true io WOLEGANG GROSSMAN.
shrophis trianguliger
PARIS OFRANGE Moumen L3$0m (3)
Description
Adults stout-bodied; scales keeled. Head slightly broader than neck; eye has round
pupil, Adults (or Great Nicobar) are uniforms blackish-gray, or have indistinct,
uneven, darker gray or black cross-iines on body and tail. Cross-lines are simple,
‘Maximum 135mm (53
oblique or may break up into checkered pattern, Lip scales white, brownish-gray or
yellowish: some or all with black vertical edges. Belly scales cream or off-wiite,
underside of tal similarly colored, densely spotted with black. Juveniles are slender-
bodiec, similar to adults in color, but with downward-pointing, light-centered.
twiangular spots that descend onto recdish-orange sides of body.
Xenochrophis trianguligerus
Scalation
Seales in 19 or 17 rows at mid-body, stongly keeled; outer 1 or 2 ro
Ventrais: 132-150; subcaudals: 86-105; anal usually dividec. Intemasals narzowed
anteriorly, their anterior margins truncate, Supralabials 9 {2° to 6° touchirg eye), No
postocular stripes, Preocular 1; postoculars 3; temporals 242 or 1-2.
's smoot,
Natural History! Behavior
Nocturnal. Primarily a lowland, semi-aquatic species. Found ia and around fresh
water bodies and paddy fields. Feeds on frogs, their exes, tadpoles, small birds, and
rodents. Several clutches of $-15 eggs laid in a year.
Distribution
India: common on Great Nicobar Island: uncommoa
en Little Nicobar Island. Also much of Southeast Asia
(Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar ard Indian
Haas been found up to 14007 (45908),
$
2
2
E
5
E
3/2
EE
Lookalikes 3:
S E
None 31°
Ely
BE
ABB
8
ie
2]:
salz
EB
i
aE |
shrophis trianguliger
PARIS OFRANGE Moumen L3$0m (3)
Description
Adults stout-bodied; scales keeled. Head slightly broader than neck; eye has round
pupil, Adults (or Great Nicobar) are uniforms blackish-gray, or have indistinct,
uneven, darker gray or black cross-iines on body and tail. Cross-lines are simple,
‘Maximum 135mm (53
oblique or may break up into checkered pattern, Lip scales white, brownish-gray or
yellowish: some or all with black vertical edges. Belly scales cream or off-wiite,
underside of tal similarly colored, densely spotted with black. Juveniles are slender-
bodiec, similar to adults in color, but with downward-pointing, light-centered.
twiangular spots that descend onto recdish-orange sides of body.
Xenochrophis trianguligerus
Scalation
Seales in 19 or 17 rows at mid-body, stongly keeled; outer 1 or 2 ro
Ventrais: 132-150; subcaudals: 86-105; anal usually dividec. Intemasals narzowed
anteriorly, their anterior margins truncate, Supralabials 9 {2° to 6° touchirg eye), No
postocular stripes, Preocular 1; postoculars 3; temporals 242 or 1-2.
's smoot,
Natural History! Behavior
Nocturnal. Primarily a lowland, semi-aquatic species. Found ia and around fresh
water bodies and paddy fields. Feeds on frogs, their exes, tadpoles, small birds, and
rodents. Several clutches of $-15 eggs laid in a year.
Distribution
India: common on Great Nicobar Island: uncommoa
en Little Nicobar Island. Also much of Southeast Asia
(Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar ard Indian
Haas been found up to 14007 (45908),
$
2
2
E
5
E
3/2
EE
Lookalikes 3:
S E
None 31°
Ely
BE
ABB
8
ie
2]:
salz
EB
i
aE |
Himalayan Keelback Rhabdophis himalayanus
PROWABLY VENOMOLS, COMMON Maximum 12:
Description
Seales strongly keeled. Head broader than neck. Large eye has round pup:l. Upper
body olive or dull gray, usually dotted with black; a series of small yellow spots or
5202 cross-lines on each side of hindbody. Back o head has bold, broad, yellow or
orange collar, usually broken in middle. Beck of collar sorcered with back. Some
individuals have small, bright red o: orange forebody checks. Lip scales white or
yellow, separated by black lines; usually two oblique black lines — one below, other
behind eye. Underside glossy, steel gray, black: or yellow speckled with black
strongly keeled. Ventrais 151-177: anal divided
subeaudels 78-98, paized. Internasals broad.y truncate anteriorly. A nuchal groove;
three median rows of scales behind collar narrower than adjacent rows. Supralabials
8 (4% and S* touching eye}; preocular 1; postoculars 3: temporals 242 or 243 (rarely
142),
Natural Mistory/ Behavior
Diurnal and tesrestrial. Seen near riverbanks as well as in forests, Feed on frogs:
cats stuall mammals in ceptivity. Lays 5-7 eggs. À pair was seen mating in late
July, but they mate earlier as well; a very small juvenile was seen in early June. If
istursed or while hunting, raises head and neck. Vibrates til when excited. Though
ue Tangs, some keelbecks (Rhañdophis) have very large teeth back of the
upper jaw (maxilla) and toxic saliva, Bites where “sa ivenomation” has occurred can
be serious, In these cases, the snake would have held on and “chewed” enough saliva
in. Though nothing is known about the effects ofa bite from this species, a bite from
a young Red-necked Keelback produced severe reactions in en adult man,
Distribution
India: the ecstem Himalayas from Sikkim to Aranactal
? Pradesh. Also Nepal, China, Bangladesh. and Myanmar.
Look-alikes
Red-necked Keelbsck
&
&
E
El
E
E
64
5
El
a
=
PROWABLY VENOMOLS, COMMON Maximum 12:
Description
Seales strongly keeled. Head broader than neck. Large eye has round pup:l. Upper
body olive or dull gray, usually dotted with black; a series of small yellow spots or
5202 cross-lines on each side of hindbody. Back o head has bold, broad, yellow or
orange collar, usually broken in middle. Beck of collar sorcered with back. Some
individuals have small, bright red o: orange forebody checks. Lip scales white or
yellow, separated by black lines; usually two oblique black lines — one below, other
behind eye. Underside glossy, steel gray, black: or yellow speckled with black
strongly keeled. Ventrais 151-177: anal divided
subeaudels 78-98, paized. Internasals broad.y truncate anteriorly. A nuchal groove;
three median rows of scales behind collar narrower than adjacent rows. Supralabials
8 (4% and S* touching eye}; preocular 1; postoculars 3: temporals 242 or 243 (rarely
142),
Natural Mistory/ Behavior
Diurnal and tesrestrial. Seen near riverbanks as well as in forests, Feed on frogs:
cats stuall mammals in ceptivity. Lays 5-7 eggs. À pair was seen mating in late
July, but they mate earlier as well; a very small juvenile was seen in early June. If
istursed or while hunting, raises head and neck. Vibrates til when excited. Though
ue Tangs, some keelbecks (Rhañdophis) have very large teeth back of the
upper jaw (maxilla) and toxic saliva, Bites where “sa ivenomation” has occurred can
be serious, In these cases, the snake would have held on and “chewed” enough saliva
in. Though nothing is known about the effects ofa bite from this species, a bite from
a young Red-necked Keelback produced severe reactions in en adult man,
Distribution
India: the ecstem Himalayas from Sikkim to Aranactal
? Pradesh. Also Nepal, China, Bangladesh. and Myanmar.
Look-alikes
Red-necked Keelbsck
&
&
E
El
E
E
64
5
El
a
=
Red-necked Keelback
VENOMOUS, COMMON
‚Rhabdophis subminiatus
are 150-190
Maximum Rs. salas 7SOcam GO)
Maximum Br Otrım (ST)
Description:
Scales strongly keeled, Head broader than neck. Large eye has round pu
subspecies: (i) Schlegels Red-necked Keelback (R. 5. subminiatus). Head and
front of neck olive brown, sometimes followed by backward-pointing yellow bard.
~ behind which is bright red interscale color of neck and forebody; rest of body and
tail grayish-olive with faint black and yellow markings. Distinet oblique black bar
below eye. Some lip scales separated by black lines. Underside yellowish, sometimes,
with a black dot at outer edge of each belly scale, Juveniles (and some subadults)
more brightly colored, and usually have a broad black/durk volla: or patch or neck.
bordered by yellow behind, (The look-alike Himalayan Keelhack has a yellow collar
with black hind margin). (i) Sehmidt’s Red-necked Keelback (Rs. heifer), Almost
uniform olive-green with red neck. Black line fiom eye to upper lip scales absent
‘or indistinct, Lip scales gray or white; underside powdered with gray, Juveniles as
described above, Whether only one, or both subspecies occur in India remains to be
determined.
Sealatlon
Common characters: scales strongly keeled in 19 rows at midbody; anal divided;
internasals broudly truneate anteriorly; supralabials usually 8 G% to 54 wuching
eye), rately 9 (4 10 6" touching eye); 1 preocular: postoculars 2 or 3: temporels 212
or 243; subeaudals paired. R. s, subminiatus: ventrels 137-164; subeaudals
Nuchal scales ao: enlarged; auchal groove indistinet or absent. A. helleri: v
96. Nuchal scales enlarged; nuchal groove distinct
Natural History Behavior
‘Diurnal, habits wet forest, paddy fields, grasslands and marshes, Fats frogs, tonds,
zards and small mammals. Lays 5-17 eggs in June-July. When alarmed, raises head
and neck and spreads a slight hood. Though lacking true fangs, it has ungrooved,
ready enlarged rear teeth and highly toxic saliva, Even bites from juveniles have
resulted in severe symptoms.
Distribution
India: eastern Himalayas from Sikkim and Assım to
Arurachal Pradesh. Also Nepal, Myanmar, China, Thailand,
ga Caribodia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia and Indonesia. Found
up to 1780m (58408).
Look-alikes
Himalayan Keclback.
Rhabdophis subminiatus
4
El
á
x
3
El
E
3
el
TS GO
El
El
E
12
3
E
2
5
2
ES
Arhatehing 150 190mm (6
VENOMOUS, COMMON
‚Rhabdophis subminiatus
are 150-190
Maximum Rs. salas 7SOcam GO)
Maximum Br Otrım (ST)
Description:
Scales strongly keeled, Head broader than neck. Large eye has round pu
subspecies: (i) Schlegels Red-necked Keelback (R. 5. subminiatus). Head and
front of neck olive brown, sometimes followed by backward-pointing yellow bard.
~ behind which is bright red interscale color of neck and forebody; rest of body and
tail grayish-olive with faint black and yellow markings. Distinet oblique black bar
below eye. Some lip scales separated by black lines. Underside yellowish, sometimes,
with a black dot at outer edge of each belly scale, Juveniles (and some subadults)
more brightly colored, and usually have a broad black/durk volla: or patch or neck.
bordered by yellow behind, (The look-alike Himalayan Keelhack has a yellow collar
with black hind margin). (i) Sehmidt’s Red-necked Keelback (Rs. heifer), Almost
uniform olive-green with red neck. Black line fiom eye to upper lip scales absent
‘or indistinct, Lip scales gray or white; underside powdered with gray, Juveniles as
described above, Whether only one, or both subspecies occur in India remains to be
determined.
Sealatlon
Common characters: scales strongly keeled in 19 rows at midbody; anal divided;
internasals broudly truneate anteriorly; supralabials usually 8 G% to 54 wuching
eye), rately 9 (4 10 6" touching eye); 1 preocular: postoculars 2 or 3: temporels 212
or 243; subeaudals paired. R. s, subminiatus: ventrels 137-164; subeaudals
Nuchal scales ao: enlarged; auchal groove indistinet or absent. A. helleri: v
96. Nuchal scales enlarged; nuchal groove distinct
Natural History Behavior
‘Diurnal, habits wet forest, paddy fields, grasslands and marshes, Fats frogs, tonds,
zards and small mammals. Lays 5-17 eggs in June-July. When alarmed, raises head
and neck and spreads a slight hood. Though lacking true fangs, it has ungrooved,
ready enlarged rear teeth and highly toxic saliva, Even bites from juveniles have
resulted in severe symptoms.
Distribution
India: eastern Himalayas from Sikkim and Assım to
Arurachal Pradesh. Also Nepal, Myanmar, China, Thailand,
ga Caribodia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia and Indonesia. Found
up to 1780m (58408).
Look-alikes
Himalayan Keclback.
Rhabdophis subminiatus
4
El
á
x
3
El
E
3
el
TS GO
El
El
E
12
3
E
2
5
2
ES
Arhatehing 150 190mm (6
Amphiesma stolatum
N VENOMOUS, COMMON AN harhiag 90-170 (4
Adal engen «00mm ini
Most $000 (2
Description
Sleadez-bodied with keeled scales, Brown back with two distineL ribbon-I
yellowish stripes trom neck to tip of tail. Forehody has additional black or dark
‘brown cross-bars or spots that face towards the fail, Head light brown or olive above,
lips and area in frost of and behind eve yellowish. Throat white or yellow. Underside
white, sometimes each belly scale has a small black spot on either side. Two well-
defined. color forms occur in India: (D with blue interscale color (forma (pica);
i) with bright vermilion interscale color (variety erythrostictus).
Scalation
Scales in 19 (17 or 20) : 19 : 17 rows, keeled with more or less bidentate tips.
Ventzals 118-161; anal usually divided; subcaudals 46-89, paired. Irtermasals
truncete, but distinelly rerrowed anerioriy. Supralabials 8 (5 10 58 touching eye);
a single anterior temporal.
Natural History/ Behavior
One of India’s most common diurnal snakes. lrequents padéy fields. ponds, thick
grass, bushes, and gerdens, Young feed on insects, tadpoles, small toads and frogs;
adults prefer fiogs but also eat toads, snails, small lizards and rodenis, Known to
estivute in the hot, dry regions of its distribution, or hibernate in the colder areas,
Fgg-laying reported throughout the year; 5-15 eggs laid ar a ume. Female may
stay with eggs. A remarkably gentle snake, When alarmed, may Natien forebody
exhibiting interscals color. On handling, a subadult from Mabsrashtra (near
Mumbai) played dead.
Distribution
Throughout mainland India (records from the Andamans
unlikely). Also Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and
gp bale.
Lauke-atikes
Common Irinke: Snake,
Beddome's Keelback.
Amphiesma stolatum variety erythrostictus
ES
E
5
E
&
E
El
E
3
2
E
2
2
Striped Keclback
N VENOMOUS, COMMON AN harhiag 90-170 (4
Adal engen «00mm ini
Most $000 (2
Description
Sleadez-bodied with keeled scales, Brown back with two distineL ribbon-I
yellowish stripes trom neck to tip of tail. Forehody has additional black or dark
‘brown cross-bars or spots that face towards the fail, Head light brown or olive above,
lips and area in frost of and behind eve yellowish. Throat white or yellow. Underside
white, sometimes each belly scale has a small black spot on either side. Two well-
defined. color forms occur in India: (D with blue interscale color (forma (pica);
i) with bright vermilion interscale color (variety erythrostictus).
Scalation
Scales in 19 (17 or 20) : 19 : 17 rows, keeled with more or less bidentate tips.
Ventzals 118-161; anal usually divided; subcaudals 46-89, paired. Irtermasals
truncete, but distinelly rerrowed anerioriy. Supralabials 8 (5 10 58 touching eye);
a single anterior temporal.
Natural History/ Behavior
One of India’s most common diurnal snakes. lrequents padéy fields. ponds, thick
grass, bushes, and gerdens, Young feed on insects, tadpoles, small toads and frogs;
adults prefer fiogs but also eat toads, snails, small lizards and rodenis, Known to
estivute in the hot, dry regions of its distribution, or hibernate in the colder areas,
Fgg-laying reported throughout the year; 5-15 eggs laid ar a ume. Female may
stay with eggs. A remarkably gentle snake, When alarmed, may Natien forebody
exhibiting interscals color. On handling, a subadult from Mabsrashtra (near
Mumbai) played dead.
Distribution
Throughout mainland India (records from the Andamans
unlikely). Also Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and
gp bale.
Lauke-atikes
Common Irinke: Snake,
Beddome's Keelback.
Amphiesma stolatum variety erythrostictus
ES
E
5
E
&
E
El
E
3
2
E
2
2
Striped Keclback
°° °~2©« KA iii
y variable, Shades of brown or gray on the back, with small black spors and
sometimes several series of short white lines that run along the body. Side of body
may be striped. Often has biack streak from snout tip to angle of mouth and another
below eye. Lip scales white or pale yellow. Back of Head o3en has to white
black-edged lines or U shaped snark. Belly white. yellowish-ercam or pale orange:
sometimes wilh dark streaks — especially towards the til. Urdersice of tail mozied
with black; throet sometimes similarly colored.
RANK TACK
Himalayan Mountain Keelback Amphiesma platyceps ge
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON racing 195-245mm (1m) A
aximem 940m (371) Sl:
EI:
SE
Deseripti NE
Slender bodied ead broaer than neck; Ie ee has round ppl: Paten and color Sl
RE
SE
S
Scalation (afler Malnate)
Scales in 19 : 19 : 17 rows, weakly keeled. Ventals 191-234; subeaudals 78-98,
Paired, Preffontals extend well on o side of head (above loreal) Loreal | (sometimes
absent or fused to preftontal). Supralabials 7 or 8 (3% to 5* touching eye): preccular
1; temporals 11 G), rerely 212. Maxillary teeth “8-22 (last 2-3 strongly enlarged),
Intemasals tnuncate anteriorly
Natural Histary/ Behavior
A montane species. Active in the evening. Found in forests and also near smell
villages and fieles. Eats fish; frogs, their spawn and tadpoles, toads; sinks; snakes
and their eggs; and small mammals, Lays eggs.
Other kvelbacks.
Distribution
Re India: Himalayas from Kashmir in the West to the Abor
e and Khasi Ilills in the Northeast up to 3657m (12,000f).
Pe Also Pakistan, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, Old
3 7 records from Myanmar need confirmation.
4 E
\ E
A El
y 4 4
: 3
Lookalikes LE
E
2
BE
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON
y variable, Shades of brown or gray on the back, with small black spors and
sometimes several series of short white lines that run along the body. Side of body
may be striped. Often has biack streak from snout tip to angle of mouth and another
below eye. Lip scales white or pale yellow. Back of Head o3en has to white
black-edged lines or U shaped snark. Belly white. yellowish-ercam or pale orange:
sometimes wilh dark streaks — especially towards the til. Urdersice of tail mozied
with black; throet sometimes similarly colored.
RANK TACK
Himalayan Mountain Keelback Amphiesma platyceps ge
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON racing 195-245mm (1m) A
aximem 940m (371) Sl:
EI:
SE
Deseripti NE
Slender bodied ead broaer than neck; Ie ee has round ppl: Paten and color Sl
RE
SE
S
Scalation (afler Malnate)
Scales in 19 : 19 : 17 rows, weakly keeled. Ventals 191-234; subeaudals 78-98,
Paired, Preffontals extend well on o side of head (above loreal) Loreal | (sometimes
absent or fused to preftontal). Supralabials 7 or 8 (3% to 5* touching eye): preccular
1; temporals 11 G), rerely 212. Maxillary teeth “8-22 (last 2-3 strongly enlarged),
Intemasals tnuncate anteriorly
Natural Histary/ Behavior
A montane species. Active in the evening. Found in forests and also near smell
villages and fieles. Eats fish; frogs, their spawn and tadpoles, toads; sinks; snakes
and their eggs; and small mammals, Lays eggs.
Other kvelbacks.
Distribution
Re India: Himalayas from Kashmir in the West to the Abor
e and Khasi Ilills in the Northeast up to 3657m (12,000f).
Pe Also Pakistan, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, Old
3 7 records from Myanmar need confirmation.
4 E
\ E
A El
y 4 4
: 3
Lookalikes LE
E
2
BE
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON
Beddome’s Keelback
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON
Amphiesma beddomei
Masia 690mm 27)
Description
Sleade=-bodied: sceles keeled. Tead broader than neck: eye has round pupil. Adults
brown back with variable bleck and dull yellow or white pattern; white underside,
belly scales may have a brown dot oa each side. Pattern variatiors: (i) a series of
paired, dell yellow spors on the beck between which are blac’ nes or dots; (0
black markings dominate to form a series of broad, broken cross-bands that consist
of several large, black squarish spots between which are two or more smaller, cull
el'ow spots (ii) panern grcally reduced, pale brown forebody with few widely
tered black scales and others that are entirely white or dull yellow. Rest of box
brown; some scales black- or white-edged. Juveniles: bluish-black or charcoal-black
buck, with pallor as in vuriation (i), the series of paired yellow spots are more
able than the black marks. Top of head light (caramel) brown with darker
marks and a broad yellowish-white band on back of head (behind parietal scales).
¡ed by black lines. Beddome’s Keelback has a broad, bleek-outlined
nd tae eye unlike the Hill Keelback (which hax white or yellow
scales in front, below, and behind each eye)
Sealation
Scales in 19 rows at micbody, keeied. Ventrals 140-150; anal usually divided;
subcaudals 62-82, paired. Supralabials § (3% to 5" touching eye) or 9 (4% to 6%
touching eych, preveular 1, temporals 141 or 142, rarely 242
Natural History/ Behavior
Diurnal, A forest species. Found nears
on forest paths with raised head and nes
roads.
sam sides of high rainfall areas. Often seen
Prefers frogs. but also feeds on small
Distribution
Endemic to India. Western Ghats: fom Maharashtra
(northernmost limit of range appears to be Mahablesihwar),
parts of Tamil Nadu to South Kerala between 500-2100m
(1640-6890).
Look-alikes
‘Other keelbacks.
Common Trinket Snake,
Maximan 690mm 2}
3
3
El
3
COMMON
Beddome's Keelback
NON VENOMOU
NON VENOMOUS, COMMON
Amphiesma beddomei
Masia 690mm 27)
Description
Sleade=-bodied: sceles keeled. Tead broader than neck: eye has round pupil. Adults
brown back with variable bleck and dull yellow or white pattern; white underside,
belly scales may have a brown dot oa each side. Pattern variatiors: (i) a series of
paired, dell yellow spors on the beck between which are blac’ nes or dots; (0
black markings dominate to form a series of broad, broken cross-bands that consist
of several large, black squarish spots between which are two or more smaller, cull
el'ow spots (ii) panern grcally reduced, pale brown forebody with few widely
tered black scales and others that are entirely white or dull yellow. Rest of box
brown; some scales black- or white-edged. Juveniles: bluish-black or charcoal-black
buck, with pallor as in vuriation (i), the series of paired yellow spots are more
able than the black marks. Top of head light (caramel) brown with darker
marks and a broad yellowish-white band on back of head (behind parietal scales).
¡ed by black lines. Beddome’s Keelback has a broad, bleek-outlined
nd tae eye unlike the Hill Keelback (which hax white or yellow
scales in front, below, and behind each eye)
Sealation
Scales in 19 rows at micbody, keeied. Ventrals 140-150; anal usually divided;
subcaudals 62-82, paired. Supralabials § (3% to 5" touching eye) or 9 (4% to 6%
touching eych, preveular 1, temporals 141 or 142, rarely 242
Natural History/ Behavior
Diurnal, A forest species. Found nears
on forest paths with raised head and nes
roads.
sam sides of high rainfall areas. Often seen
Prefers frogs. but also feeds on small
Distribution
Endemic to India. Western Ghats: fom Maharashtra
(northernmost limit of range appears to be Mahablesihwar),
parts of Tamil Nadu to South Kerala between 500-2100m
(1640-6890).
Look-alikes
‘Other keelbacks.
Common Trinket Snake,
Maximan 690mm 2}
3
3
El
3
COMMON
Beddome's Keelback
NON VENOMOU
Hill Keelback Amphiesma montico!
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON ‘Mastin 578102 (23
Description
Scales strongly keelec. Very large eye has round pusil, Olive brown or greenish
back with broad black eross-bands or big squarish spots, which may be paired, and
may have lighter spots or eress+lines in bet ud reddish-brown, White
or yellow line across back of head (behind eye) and a white dot or each side of
central scale between eyes (fiontal). Scales in front, below and behind eye white
or yellow. Most upper lip scales separated by thin black lines. Underside white or
yellow; throat and sides of reck somerimes bright orange (yellow in juveniles),
Head of young sometimes dark brown above (fom snou: to eye) followed oy a
droud black band wich is edged in front and behind, by a narrow, white line; other
white head markings as in adult, but usually more prominent. Markings vccssionally
indistinct, even in y
calation
Seales in 19 rows at midbody, keeled. Ventrals 133-144; anal usuelly divided:
subcacdals 78-92, paired. Supralabials $ (3% to 5 touching eye); preocular 1;
temporals 242 or 243 (very rarely 1 anterior temporal).
Natural History/ Behavior
Diurnal. A forest srake. Found near stream sides of high rainfall areas. Eats frogs
and toads. Lays eggs.
Fndemie to india. Western Ghats from Goa to South
Kerala.
Look-alikes
Beddome's Keelbeck,
246 u
Amphiesma mon
UNCOMMON
4
ale
28
4
MIP
Sl
2
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON ‘Mastin 578102 (23
Description
Scales strongly keelec. Very large eye has round pusil, Olive brown or greenish
back with broad black eross-bands or big squarish spots, which may be paired, and
may have lighter spots or eress+lines in bet ud reddish-brown, White
or yellow line across back of head (behind eye) and a white dot or each side of
central scale between eyes (fiontal). Scales in front, below and behind eye white
or yellow. Most upper lip scales separated by thin black lines. Underside white or
yellow; throat and sides of reck somerimes bright orange (yellow in juveniles),
Head of young sometimes dark brown above (fom snou: to eye) followed oy a
droud black band wich is edged in front and behind, by a narrow, white line; other
white head markings as in adult, but usually more prominent. Markings vccssionally
indistinct, even in y
calation
Seales in 19 rows at midbody, keeled. Ventrals 133-144; anal usuelly divided:
subcacdals 78-92, paired. Supralabials $ (3% to 5 touching eye); preocular 1;
temporals 242 or 243 (very rarely 1 anterior temporal).
Natural History/ Behavior
Diurnal. A forest srake. Found near stream sides of high rainfall areas. Eats frogs
and toads. Lays eggs.
Fndemie to india. Western Ghats from Goa to South
Kerala.
Look-alikes
Beddome's Keelbeck,
246 u
Amphiesma mon
UNCOMMON
4
ale
28
4
MIP
Sl
2
NOWWOD!
False Cobra Pseudoxenodon macrops
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON, A hatching 260anmn Oia)
Maximum 12
Description:
Scales keeled. Head broader than neck; large eye has round pupil. Color and pattern
extremely variable, Olive-brown, reddish-brown, gray or blue-black above, usually
with a series of short yellowish, reddish-brown or orange, dark edged crossbars along
middle of back and tail. Additional series of indisticet black spots may be prese:
czch side. Heed same color as hody; lip scales paler than top of head, some upper
lip scales separated by narrow black lines. Back of head (nape) sometimes with a
whitish, dark brown or black À shaped mark. Underside yellowish-white, anterior
part with large blackädark brown eross-bands or eltemaling rectangular spots:
portion of belly near tail and underside of ail densely mottled with brown, dark gray
or black.
‘To emphasize the extreme variation in color and pattern within this s
Trank Wall who described a collection of this species from arot
“The ornamentetioa ofthis species is very varied, and in some speci
beautiful, Ta a young example the head was slaty-blue, behind this the nape bore
a broed intensely black arrow-head, bordered behind with a narrower band of
‘cinnamon, In some specimens the head is a rich dark green, in some the arrow-head
s billiard-oloda green, in others lie und in others ix completely absent. In some
the back is nearly uniformly olivaceous-green or brown. In some the series of dark
‘costal spots is but obscure, in others very black or purplish. In some no trace of light
eross-bars can be seer in others they are more or less distinelly visible,
ry conspk itish, sometimes cinnamon, or Ihe anterior whitish
and the posterior cinnamon. Some specimens are checkered with green, black, amber
and ochre spots. With allthis variety of form, the specimens do not lend th
Lo a grouping into color varities, for scarcely two specimens are quite like.
ecies, we quote
Darjeeling as,
sons extra
selves
Scalation’ Dentition
Seales in 19 or 21 : 19 or 17 : 1S rows; keeled, obliquely arranged on forebody.
Ventrals 151-185; anal divided: subeaudals 55-80, pared, Mature males have scales
with “knobbed:-keels” in the ischiadi region (in front ofthe anal). Supralabials &
(48 and 5* touchizg eve); lore large, 1; preocular 1: postoeulars 3; temporal 2
‘0r243, Maxillary teeth 25-22, increasing in size posteriorly, last two distinctly larger
and separated from the others by a gap.
Natural History/ Behavior
Diumal. Mostly terrestrial. Often found near forest streams. Feeds on frogs and
sometimes geckos and shrews. Lays up to 10 eggs. A female in Myanmar (Chin
Hill), captured on 20% Muy. contained six egus with well-developed embryos.
‘When alarmec, flattens neck and raises forebody to display a “hood.” In tais posture
x bears a remarkeble resemblance to a cobra
25
OS &+«@&«
Ass current
Pseudoxenodon macrops
E
B
2
8
El
a
E
5
E
Kalse Cobra
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON, A hatching 260anmn Oia)
Maximum 12
Description:
Scales keeled. Head broader than neck; large eye has round pupil. Color and pattern
extremely variable, Olive-brown, reddish-brown, gray or blue-black above, usually
with a series of short yellowish, reddish-brown or orange, dark edged crossbars along
middle of back and tail. Additional series of indisticet black spots may be prese:
czch side. Heed same color as hody; lip scales paler than top of head, some upper
lip scales separated by narrow black lines. Back of head (nape) sometimes with a
whitish, dark brown or black À shaped mark. Underside yellowish-white, anterior
part with large blackädark brown eross-bands or eltemaling rectangular spots:
portion of belly near tail and underside of ail densely mottled with brown, dark gray
or black.
‘To emphasize the extreme variation in color and pattern within this s
Trank Wall who described a collection of this species from arot
“The ornamentetioa ofthis species is very varied, and in some speci
beautiful, Ta a young example the head was slaty-blue, behind this the nape bore
a broed intensely black arrow-head, bordered behind with a narrower band of
‘cinnamon, In some specimens the head is a rich dark green, in some the arrow-head
s billiard-oloda green, in others lie und in others ix completely absent. In some
the back is nearly uniformly olivaceous-green or brown. In some the series of dark
‘costal spots is but obscure, in others very black or purplish. In some no trace of light
eross-bars can be seer in others they are more or less distinelly visible,
ry conspk itish, sometimes cinnamon, or Ihe anterior whitish
and the posterior cinnamon. Some specimens are checkered with green, black, amber
and ochre spots. With allthis variety of form, the specimens do not lend th
Lo a grouping into color varities, for scarcely two specimens are quite like.
ecies, we quote
Darjeeling as,
sons extra
selves
Scalation’ Dentition
Seales in 19 or 21 : 19 or 17 : 1S rows; keeled, obliquely arranged on forebody.
Ventrals 151-185; anal divided: subeaudals 55-80, pared, Mature males have scales
with “knobbed:-keels” in the ischiadi region (in front ofthe anal). Supralabials &
(48 and 5* touchizg eve); lore large, 1; preocular 1: postoeulars 3; temporal 2
‘0r243, Maxillary teeth 25-22, increasing in size posteriorly, last two distinctly larger
and separated from the others by a gap.
Natural History/ Behavior
Diumal. Mostly terrestrial. Often found near forest streams. Feeds on frogs and
sometimes geckos and shrews. Lays up to 10 eggs. A female in Myanmar (Chin
Hill), captured on 20% Muy. contained six egus with well-developed embryos.
‘When alarmec, flattens neck and raises forebody to display a “hood.” In tais posture
x bears a remarkeble resemblance to a cobra
25
OS &+«@&«
Ass current
Pseudoxenodon macrops
E
B
2
8
El
a
E
5
E
Kalse Cobra
‚False Cobra Pseudoxenodon macrops 2
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON “Athateking 260mm (19in) =
Mesias 1283mm (Slin) E
E
Distribution E
= India: the Northeast from Darjeeling to Arınacha! Pradesh. a
& Also Nepal. Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Thailand, and a
“ag ap hie tn ho
ay
“Ae acting 60m (Ion
Cobras.
Othe: keelbacl
z
3
2
Ea
El
iS
E
El
El
E
False Cobra
252
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON “Athateking 260mm (19in) =
Mesias 1283mm (Slin) E
E
Distribution E
= India: the Northeast from Darjeeling to Arınacha! Pradesh. a
& Also Nepal. Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Thailand, and a
“ag ap hie tn ho
ay
“Ae acting 60m (Ion
Cobras.
Othe: keelbacl
z
3
2
Ea
El
iS
E
El
El
E
False Cobra
252
Green Keelback ropisthodon plumbicolor
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON? Athatchiag 75am Gin)
Adults 53
Maxims 949mm €
Description
Stout-bodied. Seales on body strong
smooth, |
keeled, those om upper surface of howd
and variable in size. Large eye has round pupil. Bright or dull green
overall, sometimes with faint irregular black cross-lines. Belly grayish or glossy
white, Young snakes have à bright yellow (rarely orange) A shaped mark on eck,
bordered on both sides by a dark blue-black area end also have a black stripe from
0 angle of mouth. These markings are absent in adults. Green Ke
often mistaker for greer pit vipers (all of which have versical pupils).
Sealation
Scales in 23 or 25: 25 or 27: 1? or 19 rows, strongly keeled. Indie. Vectrals 144-162;
subcoudals pained: males 39-48, female 34-43. Sri Lanka, Vontrals (ide Taylor)
151-154: subcaudals paired: males 40-45, females 37-47. Corımen charactezs: anal
usually divided; loreal often united with lower preocular, preoculars 2; pastoculars 3
or 4; tanporals 2-3; supralubials 7 (3° and 4% touching eye).
Natural History/ Behavior
Nosturnal and crepuscular, Found in
towns and cities within range. Prefer to
of 8-14 eggs that hatch in August September have been recorded. Usually gentle and
inoffensive, Wen frightened, may erect foreboëy and Hatten neck “cobra style”, or
flatten whole body on the ground revealing blue andor white interscale coloration,
tion; al
is o all other prey. In Fa
0 in gardens
ore, clutches
Distribution
India: whole of the mainlund cxecpt the cast eousl, Ganges
Valley and the extreme Northwest
Maharashtra, Also Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka,
Found up to 2000m (65621
‘common in parts of
Look-alikes
Green pit vipers
Green Keelback
5, UNCOMMON”
om
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON? Athatchiag 75am Gin)
Adults 53
Maxims 949mm €
Description
Stout-bodied. Seales on body strong
smooth, |
keeled, those om upper surface of howd
and variable in size. Large eye has round pupil. Bright or dull green
overall, sometimes with faint irregular black cross-lines. Belly grayish or glossy
white, Young snakes have à bright yellow (rarely orange) A shaped mark on eck,
bordered on both sides by a dark blue-black area end also have a black stripe from
0 angle of mouth. These markings are absent in adults. Green Ke
often mistaker for greer pit vipers (all of which have versical pupils).
Sealation
Scales in 23 or 25: 25 or 27: 1? or 19 rows, strongly keeled. Indie. Vectrals 144-162;
subcoudals pained: males 39-48, female 34-43. Sri Lanka, Vontrals (ide Taylor)
151-154: subcaudals paired: males 40-45, females 37-47. Corımen charactezs: anal
usually divided; loreal often united with lower preocular, preoculars 2; pastoculars 3
or 4; tanporals 2-3; supralubials 7 (3° and 4% touching eye).
Natural History/ Behavior
Nosturnal and crepuscular, Found in
towns and cities within range. Prefer to
of 8-14 eggs that hatch in August September have been recorded. Usually gentle and
inoffensive, Wen frightened, may erect foreboëy and Hatten neck “cobra style”, or
flatten whole body on the ground revealing blue andor white interscale coloration,
tion; al
is o all other prey. In Fa
0 in gardens
ore, clutches
Distribution
India: whole of the mainlund cxecpt the cast eousl, Ganges
Valley and the extreme Northwest
Maharashtra, Also Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka,
Found up to 2000m (65621
‘common in parts of
Look-alikes
Green pit vipers
Green Keelback
5, UNCOMMON”
om
Olive Keethack Arretium schistosum
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON ‘Athatcking 100me3 Cin)
‘Adults 450mm (18in)
Mexionum 1000mra (39in)
Deseription
Seres kecled. Uniform ovive green or olive-browa, sometimes with two series of
small black spots along the bac: upper lip and underside yellow, orange or white,
Some have a red streak Dordering the two colors.
Atretium schistosum
Sealation
Scales in 19 : 19 : 17 rows, keeled. Ventrals 129-160; anal diviéed; subeaudals
53-85, paired, Supralabials 8 (3 and 4* touching eye) or 9 (4* and 5" touching eye);
preocular 1, postoculars 2-3; temporals 2-2.
PTE
Natural History’ Behavior
Diurnal. Found in tanks and ponds. Climbs well. Feeds on tadpoles, fish, Rogs and
even mosquito larvae. Lays 12-30 eggs from Decerbe> through March. One pair
was observed rating on 26” August for 43 hours in Bangalore. A gentle snake, but
may flan neck when slarrned,
Distribution
A Kerala (Anamalai hills and Wyned); Karnataka (Mysore,
Bangalore); Uttar Pradesh und Orissa. Also Sri Lanka,
Bangladesh and Nepal. l'ound up to 1000ra (32801),
Ar haichine in (in) wveruge
Look-alikes
Other keelbacks
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Olive Keelback
260
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON ‘Athatcking 100me3 Cin)
‘Adults 450mm (18in)
Mexionum 1000mra (39in)
Deseription
Seres kecled. Uniform ovive green or olive-browa, sometimes with two series of
small black spots along the bac: upper lip and underside yellow, orange or white,
Some have a red streak Dordering the two colors.
Atretium schistosum
Sealation
Scales in 19 : 19 : 17 rows, keeled. Ventrals 129-160; anal diviéed; subeaudals
53-85, paired, Supralabials 8 (3 and 4* touching eye) or 9 (4* and 5" touching eye);
preocular 1, postoculars 2-3; temporals 2-2.
PTE
Natural History’ Behavior
Diurnal. Found in tanks and ponds. Climbs well. Feeds on tadpoles, fish, Rogs and
even mosquito larvae. Lays 12-30 eggs from Decerbe> through March. One pair
was observed rating on 26” August for 43 hours in Bangalore. A gentle snake, but
may flan neck when slarrned,
Distribution
A Kerala (Anamalai hills and Wyned); Karnataka (Mysore,
Bangalore); Uttar Pradesh und Orissa. Also Sri Lanka,
Bangladesh and Nepal. l'ound up to 1000ra (32801),
Ar haichine in (in) wveruge
Look-alikes
Other keelbacks
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Olive Keelback
260
Trachischium laeve
in
Olive Oriental Slender Snake
NON VENOMOUS, RARE ‘Maximum S727 (
Description
Body evlindricel Seales smooth, except seer anal region where they are keeled
Head not broader than neck: small eye has round pupii; tail short with pointed,
corival tip, Uniform dark gray or olive-brown with an iridescent sheen. Underside
“dark orange or coral red; ind belly scales and those uncer tail sometimes mottied
swith gray
Sealation (after Villack)
Scales in 13 : 13 : 13 rows, those adjacent to anal distinetly Keeled in maies.
Ventrals 140-152; anal divided; subcaudals 29-40, paires. Prefrontels 2; preocular
‘supralabials 5 (* and 4° toucking eye, last longest) temporals 1+1
1: postocular
or 142,
Natural History! Behavi
Terrestrial. Found under x, sometimes on fores: paths after heavy
showers. Also found by fa sn digging. Diet mot knows with certainty,
probably eats eahworms and small insecs. Lays 3-6 eggs
Distribution
India: western Himalayas - Uttaranchal (Pauri. Almora
Mukteshwar, and near Nainital). Also Nepal. Found
¿+ between 1650-2700 (5410-83600).
Laokcalikes
Other Oriental slender snakes (nor featured),
Lesser Black Kraits (not featured)
Black Krait juveniles.
262
e
Trachischium laeve
4
El
á
¿
El
a
E
E
o
ie
RARE
NON VENOWOU!
in
Olive Oriental Slender Snake
NON VENOMOUS, RARE ‘Maximum S727 (
Description
Body evlindricel Seales smooth, except seer anal region where they are keeled
Head not broader than neck: small eye has round pupii; tail short with pointed,
corival tip, Uniform dark gray or olive-brown with an iridescent sheen. Underside
“dark orange or coral red; ind belly scales and those uncer tail sometimes mottied
swith gray
Sealation (after Villack)
Scales in 13 : 13 : 13 rows, those adjacent to anal distinetly Keeled in maies.
Ventrals 140-152; anal divided; subcaudals 29-40, paires. Prefrontels 2; preocular
‘supralabials 5 (* and 4° toucking eye, last longest) temporals 1+1
1: postocular
or 142,
Natural History! Behavi
Terrestrial. Found under x, sometimes on fores: paths after heavy
showers. Also found by fa sn digging. Diet mot knows with certainty,
probably eats eahworms and small insecs. Lays 3-6 eggs
Distribution
India: western Himalayas - Uttaranchal (Pauri. Almora
Mukteshwar, and near Nainital). Also Nepal. Found
¿+ between 1650-2700 (5410-83600).
Laokcalikes
Other Oriental slender snakes (nor featured),
Lesser Black Kraits (not featured)
Black Krait juveniles.
262
e
Trachischium laeve
4
El
á
¿
El
a
E
E
o
ie
RARE
NON VENOWOU!
Olive Forest Snake Rhabdops
NON VENOMOL
RARE Maximum 780mm in)
Description
Slender-bodied. smooth-sealed. Head broader than neck. Small, sometimes 0
eye has vertically ellipical pupil which appears round. First scale on snout (rostral)
very large and browdzr tram its height. Olive brown or green to yellowish-brown with
four lines of small black spots along length of boy. Underside pale yellow or brown,
occasiorally peppered with clive green, often with a brown mid-belly stripe.
Sealation
Scales smooth in 17 : 17 € 17 sows
subeaudals 62-74, pal
may he fused with prefi
ywals 202-215, rounded; anal divided;
d. Internasals 2; prefrontals 2; preoculars usually 2 (upper
: lower sometimes fused with loreal)
Natural History? Behavior
Poorly known, Nocturnal. Found in hill forests. Previously hclioved to live and feed
in leaf litter. However, two recent sightings of this snake actively foraging in bill
streams indicates that this species may acually be semi-acuatic, The ¡age snout
seule nids foruging on surcar: beds, Eus sligs and soficbadicd worms.
Distribution
= Endemie to Indie, Western Glas. Known from only four
localities: Kerala (Wynad), Karnataka (Kadur, Khalasa) and
à Maharashtra (Koyas).
Look-alikes
None.
264
Olive Forest Snake
NON VENOMOUS, RARE
NON VENOMOL
RARE Maximum 780mm in)
Description
Slender-bodied. smooth-sealed. Head broader than neck. Small, sometimes 0
eye has vertically ellipical pupil which appears round. First scale on snout (rostral)
very large and browdzr tram its height. Olive brown or green to yellowish-brown with
four lines of small black spots along length of boy. Underside pale yellow or brown,
occasiorally peppered with clive green, often with a brown mid-belly stripe.
Sealation
Scales smooth in 17 : 17 € 17 sows
subeaudals 62-74, pal
may he fused with prefi
ywals 202-215, rounded; anal divided;
d. Internasals 2; prefrontals 2; preoculars usually 2 (upper
: lower sometimes fused with loreal)
Natural History? Behavior
Poorly known, Nocturnal. Found in hill forests. Previously hclioved to live and feed
in leaf litter. However, two recent sightings of this snake actively foraging in bill
streams indicates that this species may acually be semi-acuatic, The ¡age snout
seule nids foruging on surcar: beds, Eus sligs and soficbadicd worms.
Distribution
= Endemie to Indie, Western Glas. Known from only four
localities: Kerala (Wynad), Karnataka (Kadur, Khalasa) and
à Maharashtra (Koyas).
Look-alikes
None.
264
Olive Forest Snake
NON VENOMOUS, RARE
Iridescent Snake Blythia reticulata
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON Maximan Sun (
Description
Very alossy, with smooth (sometimes light-edged) scales. [lead nor broader than
neck; very shor tail has painted tip. Black, dark bluish-, or urplish-gray: sometimes
olive above. À black, broken line usually along mide ofthe back. Belly scales have
lighter colored hind margin. Young have a yellowish-white collar that is incomplete
ir the middle
g
È
3
Ss
3
Sealation
Seales in
. smooth, Ventrals 122-157; anal div:ded; subcaudals
paired, orrarely some unpaired. Supralabials 6, rarely 5
(3% and 4* rouching eye); Both ‘oreal and preocular absent; 1 postocular, Lemporals
12,
Natural History! Behavior
Found under logs end in decaying vegetation. Lats earthworms. Lays up 10 6 eggs. A
Juvenile, oval length 117mm (Sin), was seen in June at 1040m (34108) in Arunachal
Pracesh. Gentle, inoffensive in disposition.
Distribution
India: Northsust India from Assam to Arunachal Pradesh;
up to at least 1040m (34107). Also Myanmar.
Look-alikes
Darjeeling Oriental Slender Snake
Othe: Oriental Slender Snakes (not featured)
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Iridescent Snake
268
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON Maximan Sun (
Description
Very alossy, with smooth (sometimes light-edged) scales. [lead nor broader than
neck; very shor tail has painted tip. Black, dark bluish-, or urplish-gray: sometimes
olive above. À black, broken line usually along mide ofthe back. Belly scales have
lighter colored hind margin. Young have a yellowish-white collar that is incomplete
ir the middle
g
È
3
Ss
3
Sealation
Seales in
. smooth, Ventrals 122-157; anal div:ded; subcaudals
paired, orrarely some unpaired. Supralabials 6, rarely 5
(3% and 4* rouching eye); Both ‘oreal and preocular absent; 1 postocular, Lemporals
12,
Natural History! Behavior
Found under logs end in decaying vegetation. Lats earthworms. Lays up 10 6 eggs. A
Juvenile, oval length 117mm (Sin), was seen in June at 1040m (34108) in Arunachal
Pracesh. Gentle, inoffensive in disposition.
Distribution
India: Northsust India from Assam to Arunachal Pradesh;
up to at least 1040m (34107). Also Myanmar.
Look-alikes
Darjeeling Oriental Slender Snake
Othe: Oriental Slender Snakes (not featured)
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Iridescent Snake
268
Striped Narrow-headed Snake iophis perroteti
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON Maximum 630mm (in)
Description
Body cylindricel: scales smooth, ‘Tapered head not broader than neck; small eye has
round or oval pupil. Tail short. G'ossy light or dack brown with thin strives or dotted
lines, Indistinct dull yellow collar sometimes present. Lip scales black end yellow
or brownisa. Underside gray or impure yellow, spotted with black, or nearly entizaly
brownish-biacs A uniform browa specimen had yellow centered (or tipped) scales
con aindbody and tal. Bel'y scales (ventrals) almost as broad as belly. (In look-alike
shiclduails, venrrals ere distinctly narrower than the belly).
Sealation
Scalzs in 13 : 14 + 13 cows, smooth. Ventrals: males 130-141, females 143-150;
anal entre; sulbcaudals: males 25-10, females 14-20, paired. Supralabials 5
(1% very small, 2% long aad narrow; 3* and 4 touching eye; larges. Internasals
very small; Eontal very lage, 3 10 4 times broader than supraocular; supreocular
distinctly larger than postecuar; loreal elongete (can be mistaken for preocular)
preocular sent, postocular 1; anterior temporal 1. Anterior genials very large
(unlike Meianaphidium, mental yroove present. Fis. ventral wuches posterior
nals
Natural History? Behavior
Probably a burrower. Found in leaf ter in wet forests, Bats eartaworms, There is a
record ofa Striped Coral Snake having swallowed one.
Distribution
ai Endemie fo India. Higher ranges of the Western Ghats in
Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Found over 1500m (49200),
Look-alikes
‘Glinther’s Narrow headed Snake
Shieldtails
E
5
Striped Narrow-headed Snake
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON Maximum 630mm (in)
Description
Body cylindricel: scales smooth, ‘Tapered head not broader than neck; small eye has
round or oval pupil. Tail short. G'ossy light or dack brown with thin strives or dotted
lines, Indistinct dull yellow collar sometimes present. Lip scales black end yellow
or brownisa. Underside gray or impure yellow, spotted with black, or nearly entizaly
brownish-biacs A uniform browa specimen had yellow centered (or tipped) scales
con aindbody and tal. Bel'y scales (ventrals) almost as broad as belly. (In look-alike
shiclduails, venrrals ere distinctly narrower than the belly).
Sealation
Scalzs in 13 : 14 + 13 cows, smooth. Ventrals: males 130-141, females 143-150;
anal entre; sulbcaudals: males 25-10, females 14-20, paired. Supralabials 5
(1% very small, 2% long aad narrow; 3* and 4 touching eye; larges. Internasals
very small; Eontal very lage, 3 10 4 times broader than supraocular; supreocular
distinctly larger than postecuar; loreal elongete (can be mistaken for preocular)
preocular sent, postocular 1; anterior temporal 1. Anterior genials very large
(unlike Meianaphidium, mental yroove present. Fis. ventral wuches posterior
nals
Natural History? Behavior
Probably a burrower. Found in leaf ter in wet forests, Bats eartaworms, There is a
record ofa Striped Coral Snake having swallowed one.
Distribution
ai Endemie fo India. Higher ranges of the Western Ghats in
Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Found over 1500m (49200),
Look-alikes
‘Glinther’s Narrow headed Snake
Shieldtails
E
5
Striped Narrow-headed Snake
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
‘iinther's Narrow-headed Snake
Sle
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON RE ee Om) al;
Description El El
Body ende cles smc. Tapered hea no redes tan eck small eye
has round or oval pupil. Tail short. Glossy uniform dark Brown or with three st
‘or dored lines and a yellow collar. Underside dark brown. Belly scales (ventrals)
‘almost as broad as belly, (In look-alike shieldtais, ventrals are cistinetly narrower
‘han the belly.
Sealation
Seales in 15 : 1$ : 15 rows, smooth, Ventrals 108-132; anal entire; subeaudals:
12-31, paired. Supralabials 5 (Ist smallest; 34 and 4* touching eye; 5° largest)
Intermasals variable - very srsall or almost as long as prefrontals; frontal very large,
3 10 4 times brosder (han supraoeular, supraocular not lerger than or very slightly
larger than postocular: loreal elongate (can ho mistaken for preveular); preocalar
absent; postocular 1; anterior temporal 1. Anterior genials very large (unl
Melanophidium); mental groove present, Fist ventral touches posterior genials,
Natural History’ Behavior
‘Largely unknown. Probably a burrower. Fourd in leaf lite: in wet forest
eats earthworms,
Probably
Distribution
So, Endemic to India. Hills of Tamil Nadu (Anamalsis to
E Tirunelveli
Louk-atikes
Striped Narzow-headed Snake.
Shieldtals.
Giinther's Narrow-headed Snake
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Sle
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON RE ee Om) al;
Description El El
Body ende cles smc. Tapered hea no redes tan eck small eye
has round or oval pupil. Tail short. Glossy uniform dark Brown or with three st
‘or dored lines and a yellow collar. Underside dark brown. Belly scales (ventrals)
‘almost as broad as belly, (In look-alike shieldtais, ventrals are cistinetly narrower
‘han the belly.
Sealation
Seales in 15 : 1$ : 15 rows, smooth, Ventrals 108-132; anal entire; subeaudals:
12-31, paired. Supralabials 5 (Ist smallest; 34 and 4* touching eye; 5° largest)
Intermasals variable - very srsall or almost as long as prefrontals; frontal very large,
3 10 4 times brosder (han supraoeular, supraocular not lerger than or very slightly
larger than postocular: loreal elongate (can ho mistaken for preveular); preocalar
absent; postocular 1; anterior temporal 1. Anterior genials very large (unl
Melanophidium); mental groove present, Fist ventral touches posterior genials,
Natural History’ Behavior
‘Largely unknown. Probably a burrower. Fourd in leaf lite: in wet forest
eats earthworms,
Probably
Distribution
So, Endemic to India. Hills of Tamil Nadu (Anamalsis to
E Tirunelveli
Louk-atikes
Striped Narzow-headed Snake.
Shieldtals.
Giinther's Narrow-headed Snake
NON VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Large-spotted Cat Snake Boiga multom
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON ‘Ar hatching 200aum (Sia)
Adults 1000mm (39
Maxima 1879 mm (Tic)
Deseriptio
Body long, thin and laterally Matencd. Seules smooth. Head &istineuly brouder
than neck; large eye has vertical pupil; tail long. Grayich-brown with cark Srown
markings that are edged with black, and again light brown. A double series of
conspicuous spots alternate along the back, and also alternete with smaller spots
along sides of body. Bold ar-ow-head mark followed dy a single blotch on top of
head. Dark stripe trom eye to angle of mouth. Underside grayish-brown or impure
white, marked with brown spots. This species is some:imes mistaken for Russells
Viper (which is stout, heavy-bodied with keeled scales und has a short tail that is
abruptly set off from the hindbody),
Sealat
Scales in 19: 19: 15 or 13 oblique rows, smooth. Vertebral scales stron
Ventrals 196-245; anal entire; subcaudals 72-109, paired. Pre
reach upper surfice of heed; temporuls 242 or 243,
ly enlarged.
alar 1 or 2, does not
Natural History/ Behavior
Nocturnal, Mainly arboreal; found on bushes and shrubs in wet forested areas, grassy
dens, and also on house walls, Fats birds and lizarés. In caprivity an adult
te a male, Lays 4-8 eggs. Very shy. When alarmed, may open mouta widely
assume defensive posture with forebody inflated and coiled into several symmetrical
shaped loops, and strike repeatedly, May also rapidly vihrat tail ip,
‘bution
India: the Northeast from Assam to Arunachal Pradesh,
Also southern China, Myanmar, Bengladesh, and much of
Southeast Asia. Found up to about 15001 (492018)
Look-alikes
Vipers.
Other cat snakes
IEA
Large-spotted Cat Snake
2
3
8
E
z
g
2
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON ‘Ar hatching 200aum (Sia)
Adults 1000mm (39
Maxima 1879 mm (Tic)
Deseriptio
Body long, thin and laterally Matencd. Seules smooth. Head &istineuly brouder
than neck; large eye has vertical pupil; tail long. Grayich-brown with cark Srown
markings that are edged with black, and again light brown. A double series of
conspicuous spots alternate along the back, and also alternete with smaller spots
along sides of body. Bold ar-ow-head mark followed dy a single blotch on top of
head. Dark stripe trom eye to angle of mouth. Underside grayish-brown or impure
white, marked with brown spots. This species is some:imes mistaken for Russells
Viper (which is stout, heavy-bodied with keeled scales und has a short tail that is
abruptly set off from the hindbody),
Sealat
Scales in 19: 19: 15 or 13 oblique rows, smooth. Vertebral scales stron
Ventrals 196-245; anal entire; subcaudals 72-109, paired. Pre
reach upper surfice of heed; temporuls 242 or 243,
ly enlarged.
alar 1 or 2, does not
Natural History/ Behavior
Nocturnal, Mainly arboreal; found on bushes and shrubs in wet forested areas, grassy
dens, and also on house walls, Fats birds and lizarés. In caprivity an adult
te a male, Lays 4-8 eggs. Very shy. When alarmed, may open mouta widely
assume defensive posture with forebody inflated and coiled into several symmetrical
shaped loops, and strike repeatedly, May also rapidly vihrat tail ip,
‘bution
India: the Northeast from Assam to Arunachal Pradesh,
Also southern China, Myanmar, Bengladesh, and much of
Southeast Asia. Found up to about 15001 (492018)
Look-alikes
Vipers.
Other cat snakes
IEA
Large-spotted Cat Snake
2
3
8
E
z
g
2
NONKON ONAA X 2
US 10) ponods-3
ayeug yey panods-adaey Él
US 10) ponods-3
ayeug yey panods-adaey Él
“Tawny Cat Snake Boiga ochracea
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON Maximum 1
men Sin)
Description
Rody long, thin and laterally flattoncd, Seales smooth, Blunt head distinedy broader
thas neck: large eye has vertical pupil: tail long and thin. Coral red, reddish- or
yellowish-brown (ochre) back; uniform or with aint black cross lines (most distinct
in young). Scale row along mid buck strongly enlarged and sometimes lighter in
color than adjacent scale rows. Occasionally has derk streak from eye to angle of
mouth. Lips scales yellow or whitish. Underside: anterior belly scales yellow; those
from midbody to til tip light brown.
Sealation
Seales in 21 or 19 : 21 or 19: 15 0: 17 oblique rows, smooth. Vertebrals strongly
enlarged. Ventrals 221-252 with a strong lateral keel; anal entire; subcaudals 89-119,
paired. Preocular 1 (rarely 2) does not reach upper surface of head, postoculars 2
(racely 3); temporals 2+2 or 23; supralabials 8 (4* to 6" touching eye).
Natural Llistory/ Behavior
Nocturnal (sometimes seen at dawn/dusk), Mostly arboreal; seen on bushes and
shrubs. Foods on lizards, birds and their eggs, aad also on small mammals. Mild
venom harmless to humans. Lays eggs.
Distribution
India: eastern Himalayas from West Bengal (Darjeeling
district, Buxar Duars): Sikkim; Assam (Goalpara, Sibsagar,
Cachar); and probably throughout the Northeast; Andaman
& Nicobar Islands. Also Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh,
Myanmar, Found between 3S0-1400m (/150-4590f).
\ 100 Though most authorities recognize three subspecies, their
distribution remains urcleat, This is a species complex that
é possibly contains three distine! species.
Look-alikes
Pit vipers.
Other eat snakes.
Non ax
E
E
Tawny Cat Snake
Dom (i
MILDLY VENOMOUS,
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON Maximum 1
men Sin)
Description
Rody long, thin and laterally flattoncd, Seales smooth, Blunt head distinedy broader
thas neck: large eye has vertical pupil: tail long and thin. Coral red, reddish- or
yellowish-brown (ochre) back; uniform or with aint black cross lines (most distinct
in young). Scale row along mid buck strongly enlarged and sometimes lighter in
color than adjacent scale rows. Occasionally has derk streak from eye to angle of
mouth. Lips scales yellow or whitish. Underside: anterior belly scales yellow; those
from midbody to til tip light brown.
Sealation
Seales in 21 or 19 : 21 or 19: 15 0: 17 oblique rows, smooth. Vertebrals strongly
enlarged. Ventrals 221-252 with a strong lateral keel; anal entire; subcaudals 89-119,
paired. Preocular 1 (rarely 2) does not reach upper surface of head, postoculars 2
(racely 3); temporals 2+2 or 23; supralabials 8 (4* to 6" touching eye).
Natural Llistory/ Behavior
Nocturnal (sometimes seen at dawn/dusk), Mostly arboreal; seen on bushes and
shrubs. Foods on lizards, birds and their eggs, aad also on small mammals. Mild
venom harmless to humans. Lays eggs.
Distribution
India: eastern Himalayas from West Bengal (Darjeeling
district, Buxar Duars): Sikkim; Assam (Goalpara, Sibsagar,
Cachar); and probably throughout the Northeast; Andaman
& Nicobar Islands. Also Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh,
Myanmar, Found between 3S0-1400m (/150-4590f).
\ 100 Though most authorities recognize three subspecies, their
distribution remains urcleat, This is a species complex that
é possibly contains three distine! species.
Look-alikes
Pit vipers.
Other eat snakes.
Non ax
E
E
Tawny Cat Snake
Dom (i
MILDLY VENOMOUS,
Common Cat Snake Boiga trigonata
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON a
fing 250mm in)
‘Adults 650mm (26ia)
‘Maxima 1250ram (49in)
¡ga trigonata
Description
Body long, thin and laterally flettened. Scales smooth. Head distinerly broader than
neck; large eye has vestical pupil tail very long. Light brown or tan with darker
zigzag markings which may be connected. Top of heud has x distinet, pale Y shaped
mark, which is sometimes black-edged. Scales on top of head large, smooth, and of
different shapes. Underside white or tan, sometimes with small black spots on outer
edges of each belly scale. The Common Cat Snake is often mistaken for the Saw
sealed Viper (a stubby snake which has tiny uniform, rough scales on top of the head
and a very short tail)
Bo
Seales in 21 : 21 : 15 oblique rows, smooth, Vertebrals larger than the adjacent
scales, Vertrals 206-256; anal entire subcaudals 75-96, paired.
Natural History! Rehavior
‘Nocturnal; spends the day coiled up in palmyra fronds, among bushes,
roofs, under tree bark or stones. An excellent climber. Common in many areas,
often in houses, but, like other nocturnal snakes, rarely seen. Rear-fanged. Mild
yom can paralyze small prey (lizards, mice, and small birds). Its sensitive tongue
can obviously detect sleeping lizards. In North India, 3 10 10 eggs laid in August!
September. When disturbed, may coil tightly, strike repeatedly, and vibrate til,
Distribution
aS Throughout most of South Asia, but not the Andaman &
Y Nicobar Islands
Look-alikes
Sew-scaled Viper.
Fastern Cat Snake.
Beddome’s Cat Snake.
z
6
a
3
S
E
g
$
á
à
El
El
El
Common Cat Snake
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON a
fing 250mm in)
‘Adults 650mm (26ia)
‘Maxima 1250ram (49in)
¡ga trigonata
Description
Body long, thin and laterally flettened. Scales smooth. Head distinerly broader than
neck; large eye has vestical pupil tail very long. Light brown or tan with darker
zigzag markings which may be connected. Top of heud has x distinet, pale Y shaped
mark, which is sometimes black-edged. Scales on top of head large, smooth, and of
different shapes. Underside white or tan, sometimes with small black spots on outer
edges of each belly scale. The Common Cat Snake is often mistaken for the Saw
sealed Viper (a stubby snake which has tiny uniform, rough scales on top of the head
and a very short tail)
Bo
Seales in 21 : 21 : 15 oblique rows, smooth, Vertebrals larger than the adjacent
scales, Vertrals 206-256; anal entire subcaudals 75-96, paired.
Natural History! Rehavior
‘Nocturnal; spends the day coiled up in palmyra fronds, among bushes,
roofs, under tree bark or stones. An excellent climber. Common in many areas,
often in houses, but, like other nocturnal snakes, rarely seen. Rear-fanged. Mild
yom can paralyze small prey (lizards, mice, and small birds). Its sensitive tongue
can obviously detect sleeping lizards. In North India, 3 10 10 eggs laid in August!
September. When disturbed, may coil tightly, strike repeatedly, and vibrate til,
Distribution
aS Throughout most of South Asia, but not the Andaman &
Y Nicobar Islands
Look-alikes
Sew-scaled Viper.
Fastern Cat Snake.
Beddome’s Cat Snake.
z
6
a
3
S
E
g
$
á
à
El
El
El
Common Cat Snake
Eastern Cat Snake _ Boiga gokool
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON “Rahs WOO 870mm (31-34in)
Maximum 1200ma (47in)
Description
Body long, thin and laterally Dattoned. Scales smooth. Head distinct broader than
neck; large eye has vertical pupil; mil lorg. Yellowish-browm back with a series of
dark brown or black, sometimes white-edged, Y or T shaped markings on each side
fa pale vertebral lie. Pattern fait on hindbody and usually absent on til. Top of
d has large brown, black-edged amovihicad mark, divided along tae midline
Large black spot behind arrow-heed mark. Black stripe from eve to angle of mouth
Underside white with a series of brown or black 520% on each side of the belly
scales
Scalation
Seales in 21 (rarely 19) : 21 (rately 19) : 17 (rely 15) oblique rows, smooth.
Vertebrals distinctly larger than the adjacent scales, their posterior targins straight or
concave. Ventrals 219-232; anal undivided; subeaudals 87-103, paired. Supralabials
8 G to 5° touchicg eye); loreal 1; preoculars 1 or 2, net extending to upper surtace
(of head; postoculars 2; temporais 2+3.
Natural History/ Behavior
Nocturnal. Arboreal; like most other cat snakes, probably prefers buskes and shrubs
to tall trees, Rear-fanged. Mild venom can paralyze small prey. Known to feed on
sal mice.
Distribution
India: the Northeast from West Bengal (Darjeeling): Assam:
‘Manipur, Nagaland to Arunachal Pradesh (Chessa, Papum
gg, Por Fri) Also Bangladesh
Look-alikes
Common Cat Snake.
Russell’s Viper.
284
LE
Eastern Cat Snake
Boiga gokool
Om (31-34); maxim
“Adu length 800.
e
5
g
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
El
a
E
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON “Rahs WOO 870mm (31-34in)
Maximum 1200ma (47in)
Description
Body long, thin and laterally Dattoned. Scales smooth. Head distinct broader than
neck; large eye has vertical pupil; mil lorg. Yellowish-browm back with a series of
dark brown or black, sometimes white-edged, Y or T shaped markings on each side
fa pale vertebral lie. Pattern fait on hindbody and usually absent on til. Top of
d has large brown, black-edged amovihicad mark, divided along tae midline
Large black spot behind arrow-heed mark. Black stripe from eve to angle of mouth
Underside white with a series of brown or black 520% on each side of the belly
scales
Scalation
Seales in 21 (rarely 19) : 21 (rately 19) : 17 (rely 15) oblique rows, smooth.
Vertebrals distinctly larger than the adjacent scales, their posterior targins straight or
concave. Ventrals 219-232; anal undivided; subeaudals 87-103, paired. Supralabials
8 G to 5° touchicg eye); loreal 1; preoculars 1 or 2, net extending to upper surtace
(of head; postoculars 2; temporais 2+3.
Natural History/ Behavior
Nocturnal. Arboreal; like most other cat snakes, probably prefers buskes and shrubs
to tall trees, Rear-fanged. Mild venom can paralyze small prey. Known to feed on
sal mice.
Distribution
India: the Northeast from West Bengal (Darjeeling): Assam:
‘Manipur, Nagaland to Arunachal Pradesh (Chessa, Papum
gg, Por Fri) Also Bangladesh
Look-alikes
Common Cat Snake.
Russell’s Viper.
284
LE
Eastern Cat Snake
Boiga gokool
Om (31-34); maxim
“Adu length 800.
e
5
g
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
El
a
E
Ceylon Cat Snake Hoiga ceylonensis 7 Ÿ
MILDIY VENOMOUS, COMMON At hetching 290. 330m (11318)
Maximum 1320mm ($2in)
Description
Body long, thio und laterally Naiened., Scales smooth. Head distinctly broader than
neck; eye large, has vertical pupil; til long, Pale grayish- or yellowisä-brown back
‘with a series of dark brown or black spots on the vertebral line. Sorzetimes has short,
oblique backwards-pointing streaks originaing from spois. Most scales peppered
‘with darker brown, Small, scattered dark brown or black marks on top of head,
Stripe from behind eye to angle of mouth, ard one or three short streaks on back of
head usually present, Underside white or yellow, usually with dark brown or black
spots that are larger and more close y spaced along the outer edges of the belly
The Ceylon Cat Snake is visual y indistinguishable from Beddome's Cat Snake.
However, the former has fewer belly scales and fewer scales under the tail. Another
important difference between the two is the number of teeth in the upper jaw
Scalatlon/ Dentirion
Scales in 19 : 19 : 15 or 13 oblique rows, smooth, Vertebral scales discnctly en'arged
and hexagonal. Ventrals 214-235; anal entire; subcaudals 98-108, paired, Loreal
; preocular 1, reaches upper surface of head; postoculars 2, rarely 3; temporals
343 or 3-4; supralabials 8 (4*10 6" touching eye). Maxillary weth 14-20 — 2 (vis
B. becidomet: maxillary tecth 12 or 13 + 2)
Natural History/ Behavior
‘Nocturnal. Though arboreal, often seen on ground, especially along forest roads on
rainy nights, Spends the day coiled up in derse bushes or tree hollows. Eats lizacds,
frogs and sometimes birds. Rear-fanged, Mild venom can paralyze small prey. Lays
3-10 eggs between February and Apri. IF provoked, forms forchody into loops,
strikes repeatedly; may also vibrate til tp.
Distribution
> India: the Western Ghats from Maharashtra to Kerala and
Iamil Nadu. Also Sri Lanka.
Look-alikes
Other Cat Snakes.
Zz
E
S
&
E
3
Z
$
2
E
E
El
Ceylon Cat
286 28
MILDIY VENOMOUS, COMMON At hetching 290. 330m (11318)
Maximum 1320mm ($2in)
Description
Body long, thio und laterally Naiened., Scales smooth. Head distinctly broader than
neck; eye large, has vertical pupil; til long, Pale grayish- or yellowisä-brown back
‘with a series of dark brown or black spots on the vertebral line. Sorzetimes has short,
oblique backwards-pointing streaks originaing from spois. Most scales peppered
‘with darker brown, Small, scattered dark brown or black marks on top of head,
Stripe from behind eye to angle of mouth, ard one or three short streaks on back of
head usually present, Underside white or yellow, usually with dark brown or black
spots that are larger and more close y spaced along the outer edges of the belly
The Ceylon Cat Snake is visual y indistinguishable from Beddome's Cat Snake.
However, the former has fewer belly scales and fewer scales under the tail. Another
important difference between the two is the number of teeth in the upper jaw
Scalatlon/ Dentirion
Scales in 19 : 19 : 15 or 13 oblique rows, smooth, Vertebral scales discnctly en'arged
and hexagonal. Ventrals 214-235; anal entire; subcaudals 98-108, paired, Loreal
; preocular 1, reaches upper surface of head; postoculars 2, rarely 3; temporals
343 or 3-4; supralabials 8 (4*10 6" touching eye). Maxillary weth 14-20 — 2 (vis
B. becidomet: maxillary tecth 12 or 13 + 2)
Natural History/ Behavior
‘Nocturnal. Though arboreal, often seen on ground, especially along forest roads on
rainy nights, Spends the day coiled up in derse bushes or tree hollows. Eats lizacds,
frogs and sometimes birds. Rear-fanged, Mild venom can paralyze small prey. Lays
3-10 eggs between February and Apri. IF provoked, forms forchody into loops,
strikes repeatedly; may also vibrate til tp.
Distribution
> India: the Western Ghats from Maharashtra to Kerala and
Iamil Nadu. Also Sri Lanka.
Look-alikes
Other Cat Snakes.
Zz
E
S
&
E
3
Z
$
2
E
E
El
Ceylon Cat
286 28
Beddome’s Cat Snake Boiga beddomei
neck; lange eye hes vertical pupil; tail long. Light grayish- to yellowish-brown
above with a series of dark brown or black markings. Top of head with small,
ed dark browa or black mers. Usually has stripe from behind eye to angle
of mouth. Underside white, lightly peppered wit: dark brown or black dots; outer
edges of some belly scales have black lines, Beddome's Cat Snake ix visuelly
indistnguishabie from the Ceylon Car Snake. However, the former has more belly
scales: 248-266 (the Ceylon Cat Snake has 214-235 ventrals) and more scales under
the tail: 113-127 (Uke Ceylon Cal Snake has 98-108 subesudals). Another important
difference between the ‘wo is tae number of teeth in the upper jaw, but this is hard
to examine in a Live snake.
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON ‘Maximum 1232 Gin) SE
Sle
25
Description CE
Body long, thin and Intelly Hanened. Scales smoot, Head rauch teoaéer thon ale
Sealation/ Dentiti
Scales in 19: 19 : 15 or 13 oblique rows, smooth. Vertebral scales distinctly enlarged
and hexagonal. Ventrals 248-266; anal entire; subcaudals 111-129, paired. Loreal
1; preocular |, reaches upper surface of heads postoculars 2 (rarely 3): temporals
3' 3 or 344: supralabials & (4 ro 6” touching eye). Maxillary teeth 12 or 13
B. ceylonensis: maxillary teeth 14-20 + 2),
arcana as
Natural History/ Behavior
Nocturnal. Though arboreal, often seen on ground, especially along forest roads on 1
rainy nights. Spends the day coiled up in standing, dead bamiboo, (ree hollows or
under stones. Fats geckos and lizards. Rear-fanged. Mild venom can paralyze smell
prey. Lays 5-10 eggs. I provosed, forms forebody into loops and strikes repeatedly;
may also vibrate tail tip.
Distibution
ES India; the Wester Ghats fiom Mahareshca to Kerala and D.
$ Tamil Nadu; Orks (near hills of Canjum ls). Also i ES
Sri Lanka A &
i 215
U ais
à :È alg
$ î ls
i ¿ i ‘QE
: 2lz
À A
Lookalikes q BB
ee, E 3
= HE
2
28
neck; lange eye hes vertical pupil; tail long. Light grayish- to yellowish-brown
above with a series of dark brown or black markings. Top of head with small,
ed dark browa or black mers. Usually has stripe from behind eye to angle
of mouth. Underside white, lightly peppered wit: dark brown or black dots; outer
edges of some belly scales have black lines, Beddome's Cat Snake ix visuelly
indistnguishabie from the Ceylon Car Snake. However, the former has more belly
scales: 248-266 (the Ceylon Cat Snake has 214-235 ventrals) and more scales under
the tail: 113-127 (Uke Ceylon Cal Snake has 98-108 subesudals). Another important
difference between the ‘wo is tae number of teeth in the upper jaw, but this is hard
to examine in a Live snake.
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON ‘Maximum 1232 Gin) SE
Sle
25
Description CE
Body long, thin and Intelly Hanened. Scales smoot, Head rauch teoaéer thon ale
Sealation/ Dentiti
Scales in 19: 19 : 15 or 13 oblique rows, smooth. Vertebral scales distinctly enlarged
and hexagonal. Ventrals 248-266; anal entire; subcaudals 111-129, paired. Loreal
1; preocular |, reaches upper surface of heads postoculars 2 (rarely 3): temporals
3' 3 or 344: supralabials & (4 ro 6” touching eye). Maxillary teeth 12 or 13
B. ceylonensis: maxillary teeth 14-20 + 2),
arcana as
Natural History/ Behavior
Nocturnal. Though arboreal, often seen on ground, especially along forest roads on 1
rainy nights. Spends the day coiled up in standing, dead bamiboo, (ree hollows or
under stones. Fats geckos and lizards. Rear-fanged. Mild venom can paralyze smell
prey. Lays 5-10 eggs. I provosed, forms forebody into loops and strikes repeatedly;
may also vibrate tail tip.
Distibution
ES India; the Wester Ghats fiom Mahareshca to Kerala and D.
$ Tamil Nadu; Orks (near hills of Canjum ls). Also i ES
Sri Lanka A &
i 215
U ais
à :È alg
$ î ls
i ¿ i ‘QE
: 2lz
À A
Lookalikes q BB
ee, E 3
= HE
2
28
Boiga andamanensis
“Mexia 14R6rm 69m)
Andaman Cat Snake
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON
Body long, hin and laterally fletteneé, Seales smooth. Head distinety broader than
eye large, has vertical pupil; tail long. Pale reddish or grayish-brown back,
rm, or with a series of dark brown vertebral spots thin cross-lines. Dark color
usualy on scale edges, Markings most distinc. on forebody. Top of head with faint,
dark brown or black lines. Upper lip scales white, the lat few with thin black back
‘alges, Indistine black line from behind eye to angle of mouth, Underside white or
yellowish, usually with a series of black spots on zach sie. Juveniles and sub-adults
Similarly patterned, and usually dark orange above, paler below. Mos cles on :op
cf head vary in shape and size, and are distinctly larger than the upper body scales
(A possible look-alike, the Andaman Pit Viper, has sill scales on upper surface of
head and a much shorter body and til).
Sealation :
Scales in 21 : 21 : 15 oblique rows, smooth; vertebral scales disti
Ventrals 255-269, stroagly angulate Interaly anal entire; subeat
paired, Loreal 1; preocular 1, reaches upper surface of head, often touches froctels
postoculars 2, rarely 3; ‘emporals 3+3 or 3+4; supralabials $ (3% to 5* touching
eye)
Natural History Behavior
Nocturnal and arboreal. This forest species is also frequently found in thatched roofs
of houses. Feeds on lizards, rodents and bats, Rear-Zanged. Mild venom can paralyze
small prey. Lays vues. If provoked, forms forebody into loops, strikes repeatedly,
may also vibrate tail tip.
Distribution
Fndemie to Indic: Andaman Islands.
Look-alikes
‘Andaman Pit Viper
290
e
El
i
i
i
|
i
tu coms
Andaman Cat Snake
Boiga andamanensis
Maximum 486mm (Sin)
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON
“Mexia 14R6rm 69m)
Andaman Cat Snake
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON
Body long, hin and laterally fletteneé, Seales smooth. Head distinety broader than
eye large, has vertical pupil; tail long. Pale reddish or grayish-brown back,
rm, or with a series of dark brown vertebral spots thin cross-lines. Dark color
usualy on scale edges, Markings most distinc. on forebody. Top of head with faint,
dark brown or black lines. Upper lip scales white, the lat few with thin black back
‘alges, Indistine black line from behind eye to angle of mouth, Underside white or
yellowish, usually with a series of black spots on zach sie. Juveniles and sub-adults
Similarly patterned, and usually dark orange above, paler below. Mos cles on :op
cf head vary in shape and size, and are distinctly larger than the upper body scales
(A possible look-alike, the Andaman Pit Viper, has sill scales on upper surface of
head and a much shorter body and til).
Sealation :
Scales in 21 : 21 : 15 oblique rows, smooth; vertebral scales disti
Ventrals 255-269, stroagly angulate Interaly anal entire; subeat
paired, Loreal 1; preocular 1, reaches upper surface of head, often touches froctels
postoculars 2, rarely 3; ‘emporals 3+3 or 3+4; supralabials $ (3% to 5* touching
eye)
Natural History Behavior
Nocturnal and arboreal. This forest species is also frequently found in thatched roofs
of houses. Feeds on lizards, rodents and bats, Rear-Zanged. Mild venom can paralyze
small prey. Lays vues. If provoked, forms forebody into loops, strikes repeatedly,
may also vibrate tail tip.
Distribution
Fndemie to Indic: Andaman Islands.
Look-alikes
‘Andaman Pit Viper
290
e
El
i
i
i
|
i
tu coms
Andaman Cat Snake
Boiga andamanensis
Maximum 486mm (Sin)
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON
DRUG D URUIEpUY
Green Cat Snake
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Boiga cyanea
Achaschrg Om (am)
Mau 870mm: in)
Description
Body long end laterally flattened. Seales smooth. Head distine£y broader than neck:
Arge eye has vertical pupil. Tail long. Various shades of green above, occasionally
tinged with gray or blue; underside yellow or greenish-white, sometimes spotted.
with darker green. Skin between scales black; head seales and some body scales
‘outlined with black. Vost scales on top of head much larger than scales on back and
of different shapes (all green pit vipers found within its range have mostly small
upper head scales). Hatchlings light brown, reddish or pinkist-brown, sometimes
with a green head. Color starts to change afler about 9 months
Sealation
Seales in 21 : 21 or 23 : 15 oblique rows, smooth. Vertebrals strongly enlarged.
Ventrals 237-257, with a slight lateral keel; anal entire; subcandals 124-158, pai
cular 1, reaches upper surface of head; postoculars 2, rarely 3; temporals 2
supralabials $ or 9 (310 $* or 4" to 6" touching eye).
Natural History’ Behavior
Nocturnal and usually arboreal, A forest snake. Mostly feeds on lizards, also eats
snakes, frogs and small rodents, Rear-fangcd, Mild venom can paralyze small prey.
In Thailand, mating seen mid l'ebruary to late May. Mating bites often observed in
ve specimens. Lays 4-10 eggs that hatch in 80-90 days. If threatened, will hiss
or posture with a wide open mouth,
Distribution
x India: the Northcast fiom West Bengal (Darieeling disuict)
to Arunachal Pradesh. Found up to 2100m (68902). Also
Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, China and Southeast Asi
Look-alikes
Green pit vipers.
Vine snakes,
294
ne Core seinen UK Inst Tad
3
ES
295
MILDLY VENOWOU
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Boiga cyanea
Achaschrg Om (am)
Mau 870mm: in)
Description
Body long end laterally flattened. Seales smooth. Head distine£y broader than neck:
Arge eye has vertical pupil. Tail long. Various shades of green above, occasionally
tinged with gray or blue; underside yellow or greenish-white, sometimes spotted.
with darker green. Skin between scales black; head seales and some body scales
‘outlined with black. Vost scales on top of head much larger than scales on back and
of different shapes (all green pit vipers found within its range have mostly small
upper head scales). Hatchlings light brown, reddish or pinkist-brown, sometimes
with a green head. Color starts to change afler about 9 months
Sealation
Seales in 21 : 21 or 23 : 15 oblique rows, smooth. Vertebrals strongly enlarged.
Ventrals 237-257, with a slight lateral keel; anal entire; subcandals 124-158, pai
cular 1, reaches upper surface of head; postoculars 2, rarely 3; temporals 2
supralabials $ or 9 (310 $* or 4" to 6" touching eye).
Natural History’ Behavior
Nocturnal and usually arboreal, A forest snake. Mostly feeds on lizards, also eats
snakes, frogs and small rodents, Rear-fangcd, Mild venom can paralyze small prey.
In Thailand, mating seen mid l'ebruary to late May. Mating bites often observed in
ve specimens. Lays 4-10 eggs that hatch in 80-90 days. If threatened, will hiss
or posture with a wide open mouth,
Distribution
x India: the Northcast fiom West Bengal (Darieeling disuict)
to Arunachal Pradesh. Found up to 2100m (68902). Also
Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, China and Southeast Asi
Look-alikes
Green pit vipers.
Vine snakes,
294
ne Core seinen UK Inst Tad
3
ES
295
MILDLY VENOWOU
Many-banded Cat Snake Boiga multifasctata
‘MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON Maximum: 110mm (46h)
Deseription
Body long, thin, end laterally flattened. Scales smoot’. Head distinctly broader
than neck; large eye has vert
1 pupil; tal long. Grayish- to reddish-brown back
peppered with black, and additional thin, black (sometimes oblique) eross-lines, or
“orward-pointing V shaped marks = the angle of which often contains & white spot.
Top of head has two biack Ines; another où eck, black steak behird eye. Lip scules
and throat yellow ia al color forms. Underside off-white or gray, heavily spoted
with black,
Sealation
Scales in 21 or 19 : 21 or 19 : 15 oblique rows, smooth, Vertebral scales slightly
enlarged. Ventrals 214-251; subcaudals 96-118, paired, Supralabials $ or 9 (3% to
5° touching eye); preccular 1 or 2, reaches upper surface of head; temporuls 1+2 or
Natural Mistory/ Behavior
Nocturnal. Mainly arboreal; found on bushes and shrubs in fore
eats birds, small maramals, ard lizards,
areas, Probably
India: Jammu & Keshmir (Uchampur): western Mimelayas—
Uttaranchal (Subathu, Mussoorie, Nainital, Muktesar, Pati,
„2; Dehra Dun dist n Himaleyas— northwestern West
{Bengal Dar
been recorded between 610m (20008) ard 2130m (
Forsten’s Cat Snake.
296
Many-banded Cat Snake
Boiga multfasciata
&
E
E
1-3
3
E
2
>
a
3
El
‘MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON Maximum: 110mm (46h)
Deseription
Body long, thin, end laterally flattened. Scales smoot’. Head distinctly broader
than neck; large eye has vert
1 pupil; tal long. Grayish- to reddish-brown back
peppered with black, and additional thin, black (sometimes oblique) eross-lines, or
“orward-pointing V shaped marks = the angle of which often contains & white spot.
Top of head has two biack Ines; another où eck, black steak behird eye. Lip scules
and throat yellow ia al color forms. Underside off-white or gray, heavily spoted
with black,
Sealation
Scales in 21 or 19 : 21 or 19 : 15 oblique rows, smooth, Vertebral scales slightly
enlarged. Ventrals 214-251; subcaudals 96-118, paired, Supralabials $ or 9 (3% to
5° touching eye); preccular 1 or 2, reaches upper surface of head; temporuls 1+2 or
Natural Mistory/ Behavior
Nocturnal. Mainly arboreal; found on bushes and shrubs in fore
eats birds, small maramals, ard lizards,
areas, Probably
India: Jammu & Keshmir (Uchampur): western Mimelayas—
Uttaranchal (Subathu, Mussoorie, Nainital, Muktesar, Pati,
„2; Dehra Dun dist n Himaleyas— northwestern West
{Bengal Dar
been recorded between 610m (20008) ard 2130m (
Forsten’s Cat Snake.
296
Many-banded Cat Snake
Boiga multfasciata
&
E
E
1-3
3
E
2
>
a
3
El
Eyed Cat Snake Boiga ocellata
Y VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON Aculs 300mm: STi
Maximum 1700mm (67in}
Description (Incian specimens)
Body long, thin, and ‘aterally flattened. Seales smooth, Blunt head disinctly
roader than neck: large eye has vertical pup; tail long. Head yellowish-brown,
usually with two short, bold, parallel black lines that run kom neck to upper back
Thick black line from eye to angle of mouth. Lip scales white. Neck and part
back also yellowish-brown with several broad black or dark brown oblique cross
lines or V shaped marks. Remaining (major) part of back anc upper surface of ta
grayish-brown witt indistinct ight and dark brown cross-lines. Outer edges of belly
seal sh square markings that are visible
‘on the lower sides of body. Lower surface yellowish- or greyish-brown, sometimes
peppered with small dark brown sy
Sealation
Scales in 23 : 23 : 15 oblique rows, smooth. Vertebral scales distinctly enlarged.
Ventrals 247-270; anal entire; subeaudais 116-129, paited. Loreal 1; preoeu!
reuches upper surface of head but does not touch frontal: postoculers 2; ante
jemporals 2; supralabials 8 (34 ro 5” touching eye)
Natural History/ Behavior
Noctumal. Mairly arboreal; found on bushes and shrubs in plains and al
forests. kats birds and their eggs. Rear-fanged. Venom can paralyze small pre
ces.
bill
Lays
Distribution
India: northeastern India fiom West Bengal (Hape
through Assam to eastem Arunachal Pradesh (Chessa:
Miao). Also Myanmar, Bangladesh enc much of Southeast
Asia (Malaysia, Vietnam, Carsbodia, Thailand). Found up
to 1780m (58401
Look-alikes
‘Other cal snakes.
300
Boiga ocellata
=
E
a
c
3
Y VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON Aculs 300mm: STi
Maximum 1700mm (67in}
Description (Incian specimens)
Body long, thin, and ‘aterally flattened. Seales smooth, Blunt head disinctly
roader than neck: large eye has vertical pup; tail long. Head yellowish-brown,
usually with two short, bold, parallel black lines that run kom neck to upper back
Thick black line from eye to angle of mouth. Lip scales white. Neck and part
back also yellowish-brown with several broad black or dark brown oblique cross
lines or V shaped marks. Remaining (major) part of back anc upper surface of ta
grayish-brown witt indistinct ight and dark brown cross-lines. Outer edges of belly
seal sh square markings that are visible
‘on the lower sides of body. Lower surface yellowish- or greyish-brown, sometimes
peppered with small dark brown sy
Sealation
Scales in 23 : 23 : 15 oblique rows, smooth. Vertebral scales distinctly enlarged.
Ventrals 247-270; anal entire; subeaudais 116-129, paited. Loreal 1; preoeu!
reuches upper surface of head but does not touch frontal: postoculers 2; ante
jemporals 2; supralabials 8 (34 ro 5” touching eye)
Natural History/ Behavior
Noctumal. Mairly arboreal; found on bushes and shrubs in plains and al
forests. kats birds and their eggs. Rear-fanged. Venom can paralyze small pre
ces.
bill
Lays
Distribution
India: northeastern India fiom West Bengal (Hape
through Assam to eastem Arunachal Pradesh (Chessa:
Miao). Also Myanmar, Bangladesh enc much of Southeast
Asia (Malaysia, Vietnam, Carsbodia, Thailand). Found up
to 1780m (58401
Look-alikes
‘Other cal snakes.
300
Boiga ocellata
=
E
a
c
3
Forsten's Cat Snake Boiga forsteni
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON
Maximus 233mm (lin)
Description a
Body long and rally Fatencd. Seules smooth. Heud distmeily broder than
neck, large eye has verticel pupil Ivo main color forms. In each form, the body
pattern varies considerably: (i) nearly uniform reddish-brown back with dull yellow
‘marking; (i) forebody with angular grayish-brown, brown or black blotches or
bands that are interspersed with white patches. Hindbody has checkered pattern of
same colors, Overall coloration can be very pale to very dark. In all colo: forts, top
head has a dark mid-stripe, bounded on the neck by ovo additional u
also a stripe from each eye t behind mouth, WI
lines. Plain-coloced snakes have a whitish underside; stongly-marked ones have
belly scales heavily spotted with brown or black
Sealation
Sales in 25 or 27 :27, 29 0131 : 17 or 15 oblique zows, smooth. Vertebrals feebly or
strongly enfarged. Vontrals 254-273 with distinct lateral keel; anal entire; subeaudals
102-119 (131), paired. Preocular 1, touching top of head; postoculars 2: temporals
343 or 344; supralabials 8-11 (3410 5* or 4to 6" touching eye),
Natural History/ Behavior.
Noctumal, Lives in tree hollows, abandored nests, and tangles of leaves on
branches. Our largest cat snake. Feeds on lizards, birds, even domestic chickens,
bird eges, bats, and other small mammals. Sometimes cats snakes as well. Lays 5-10
eggs in April-May. When alarmed, inflates neck, forms forebody into coils, hisses,
and vibrates tail.
Distribution
Indie; the Western Ghats from Gujarat to Kerala;
+, peninsular India — the Ganges valley (Orcha, Faizabad,
Gorakhpur, Balrampur, Baraich, Purnca, Manblum); Orissa
(Berhampur); West Bengal (Sijna); easter. Himalayas
Darjeeling district), western Himalayas (Nainital, Dehra
Dun, Pauri districts. Found in both plains and hills. Also
Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Look-alikes
Other cat snakes.
Checkered Keelback.
302
Boiga forsteni
Maximum 23131
E
e lé
Ah
als
=z
El
MH
Fi
alk
HE
Ele
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON
Maximus 233mm (lin)
Description a
Body long and rally Fatencd. Seules smooth. Heud distmeily broder than
neck, large eye has verticel pupil Ivo main color forms. In each form, the body
pattern varies considerably: (i) nearly uniform reddish-brown back with dull yellow
‘marking; (i) forebody with angular grayish-brown, brown or black blotches or
bands that are interspersed with white patches. Hindbody has checkered pattern of
same colors, Overall coloration can be very pale to very dark. In all colo: forts, top
head has a dark mid-stripe, bounded on the neck by ovo additional u
also a stripe from each eye t behind mouth, WI
lines. Plain-coloced snakes have a whitish underside; stongly-marked ones have
belly scales heavily spotted with brown or black
Sealation
Sales in 25 or 27 :27, 29 0131 : 17 or 15 oblique zows, smooth. Vertebrals feebly or
strongly enfarged. Vontrals 254-273 with distinct lateral keel; anal entire; subeaudals
102-119 (131), paired. Preocular 1, touching top of head; postoculars 2: temporals
343 or 344; supralabials 8-11 (3410 5* or 4to 6" touching eye),
Natural History/ Behavior.
Noctumal, Lives in tree hollows, abandored nests, and tangles of leaves on
branches. Our largest cat snake. Feeds on lizards, birds, even domestic chickens,
bird eges, bats, and other small mammals. Sometimes cats snakes as well. Lays 5-10
eggs in April-May. When alarmed, inflates neck, forms forebody into coils, hisses,
and vibrates tail.
Distribution
Indie; the Western Ghats from Gujarat to Kerala;
+, peninsular India — the Ganges valley (Orcha, Faizabad,
Gorakhpur, Balrampur, Baraich, Purnca, Manblum); Orissa
(Berhampur); West Bengal (Sijna); easter. Himalayas
Darjeeling district), western Himalayas (Nainital, Dehra
Dun, Pauri districts. Found in both plains and hills. Also
Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Look-alikes
Other cat snakes.
Checkered Keelback.
302
Boiga forsteni
Maximum 23131
E
e lé
Ah
als
=z
El
MH
Fi
alk
HE
Ele
Nicobar Cat Snake
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON
Boiga wallachi
Maximan 1505eam Gin)
Description
Body elongate, laterally Mauenod. Seales smooth, Head distincty broacer than neck;
large eye has vertical scale
smudged with dake: brown on the edge or middle. Snakes with closely spaced
‘markings are more brown than yellow; those with more scaterec markings appear
yelloss, mottled with brown. Top of head dark brown, infused with dull yellow.
Upper lip scales yellow, uniform, er pale brown above and yellow below, or last
few edged with indistine: black lines. Usually no black line behind eye; sometimes
as a thin dark streak along top edges of upper lip scales. Undecside yellow, with
dark brown blorches. A juvenile from Great Nicobar was uniform yellowish-brown
above, paler below.
Seatation
Seales in 31, 29 or 27 : 21, 19 or 15 (aberrant) : 17, 15 oF 13 oblique rows, smooth,
Verwbral scales distinedy enlarged. Ventrals 228-235, strongly angulete laterally;
anal entire; subcaudals 72-107, paired. Loreal 1; preocalars 1 or 2 (arguably 1+1
presubocular); postoculars 2; anterior temporals 2 or 3, posterior temporals 1-3:
supralabials G* to 5" touching eye).
Natural History/ Behavior
Nocturnal. Described in 1998 by Ind-aneit Das who found two specimens “along
infrequently used forest tracts within undisturbed tropical moist forests.” Two others
were collected “tom the ground at night.” Nine were seen on the forest floor in a
single night. Also found acar Sreshwater bodies. Remercably, none have been found
on trees or bushes. Many have missing tail tips, usually seen in terrestrial sakes.
The Nicobarese claim that it raids chicken shee’ for gus; remains of bird eggs were
found in the stomach of one specimen. Another swallowed 5-6 frogs by the side of
a forest pool. Rear-fanged. À man bitten on the leg by this species claimed that the
swelling lasted for two days. Like other eat stakes, probably lays exes.
Distribution
Endemic to India: Little and Great Nicobar Islands,
Look-alikes
None in range.
306 Ñ
rar moni
Nicobar Cat Snake
MILDLY
or.
Boiga wallachi
Maxam 15050 (9
3
ENOMOUS, COMMON
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON
Boiga wallachi
Maximan 1505eam Gin)
Description
Body elongate, laterally Mauenod. Seales smooth, Head distincty broacer than neck;
large eye has vertical scale
smudged with dake: brown on the edge or middle. Snakes with closely spaced
‘markings are more brown than yellow; those with more scaterec markings appear
yelloss, mottled with brown. Top of head dark brown, infused with dull yellow.
Upper lip scales yellow, uniform, er pale brown above and yellow below, or last
few edged with indistine: black lines. Usually no black line behind eye; sometimes
as a thin dark streak along top edges of upper lip scales. Undecside yellow, with
dark brown blorches. A juvenile from Great Nicobar was uniform yellowish-brown
above, paler below.
Seatation
Seales in 31, 29 or 27 : 21, 19 or 15 (aberrant) : 17, 15 oF 13 oblique rows, smooth,
Verwbral scales distinedy enlarged. Ventrals 228-235, strongly angulete laterally;
anal entire; subcaudals 72-107, paired. Loreal 1; preocalars 1 or 2 (arguably 1+1
presubocular); postoculars 2; anterior temporals 2 or 3, posterior temporals 1-3:
supralabials G* to 5" touching eye).
Natural History/ Behavior
Nocturnal. Described in 1998 by Ind-aneit Das who found two specimens “along
infrequently used forest tracts within undisturbed tropical moist forests.” Two others
were collected “tom the ground at night.” Nine were seen on the forest floor in a
single night. Also found acar Sreshwater bodies. Remercably, none have been found
on trees or bushes. Many have missing tail tips, usually seen in terrestrial sakes.
The Nicobarese claim that it raids chicken shee’ for gus; remains of bird eggs were
found in the stomach of one specimen. Another swallowed 5-6 frogs by the side of
a forest pool. Rear-fanged. À man bitten on the leg by this species claimed that the
swelling lasted for two days. Like other eat stakes, probably lays exes.
Distribution
Endemic to India: Little and Great Nicobar Islands,
Look-alikes
None in range.
306 Ñ
rar moni
Nicobar Cat Snake
MILDLY
or.
Boiga wallachi
Maxam 15050 (9
3
ENOMOUS, COMMON
Alro-Asian Sand Snake
MILDLY VENOMOLS, ENCOMMON
Psammophis schokari
Maximum {280mm (SO)
Long, slender-bodicd, smooï-secled. Outer edges of belly scales rounded (not
sharply upturnednot keeled not angulate laterally), Head elongate, tapers towards
front; slightly broader than neck; distinct vidge between top and side of head; large
eye has round pupil. Til long. Usvally cream, pale brown or grayish back with four
broad, siboon-like, dark brown stripes along entre length of body and tail. Stripes
dotted/lined on oth sides with black. Tap of head has even, dark brown mackings
and a stripe running from snout tip along entire side of head. Lip scales white,
spotted with black. Belly scalex and those under til yellowish with thin black line
along outer edges; mid-section sometimes finely speckled with dar brown or with
paired spots of the same relish
‘or blackish. Variations include: () Cream, pale brown or are
dark browa stripes — only their dotted, black outlines rea
pale brown or grayish back, underside yellowish. Juveniles resemble aduli.
Scalation/ Denticion (after Smith)
Seales in 15, 16 or 17: 17: 11, 15 or 13 rows, smooth. Ventraly 164-187, rounded;
anal divided or undivided; subcaudels 118-134, paired. Nasal completely divided,
Suprelabials & (48 and Sé touching eye) or9(5# and 6* touching eye); elongate loreal,
preoeular 1, touches frontal; postoculars 2, rarely 3: temporals 232 or 2-3. Frontal
long and narzov distinetly longer than is distance from end of snout, emterior end
twice as broad as middle, Ty positively identify this species, the maxillary teeta must
be examined. Maxillary teeta 13 or 14; two in the middle, very strongly enlarged:
last two enlarged, grooved and pointed backoward.
Natural History/ Behavior
Maialy diurnal. Climbs well. Found in dry habitats like sandy deserts with seant
‘vogelation and even on beaches (not in India). Has been found hiding under rocks,
at the base of small bushes like Fupñoriia, or seen basking on low bushes in the
morning. A captive specimen was seen excavating a shallow hiding place by moving,
lose sand, Another, that was lightly colored when caught, became darker after
"being kept for three days on a dark verandah. Color change in snakes seems to be
rare. Feeds on lizards, geckos and occasionally small birds. Has grooved rear fangs,
‘Venom quickly immobilizes prey. In humans, the bite can cause pain, swelling and
‘Bleeding but no serious symptoms have been reported. Lays 4-10 eggs in March
July.
Afra-Asian Sand Snake
Psammophis schokari
ET
MILDLY VENOMOLS, ENCOMMON
Psammophis schokari
Maximum {280mm (SO)
Long, slender-bodicd, smooï-secled. Outer edges of belly scales rounded (not
sharply upturnednot keeled not angulate laterally), Head elongate, tapers towards
front; slightly broader than neck; distinct vidge between top and side of head; large
eye has round pupil. Til long. Usvally cream, pale brown or grayish back with four
broad, siboon-like, dark brown stripes along entre length of body and tail. Stripes
dotted/lined on oth sides with black. Tap of head has even, dark brown mackings
and a stripe running from snout tip along entire side of head. Lip scales white,
spotted with black. Belly scalex and those under til yellowish with thin black line
along outer edges; mid-section sometimes finely speckled with dar brown or with
paired spots of the same relish
‘or blackish. Variations include: () Cream, pale brown or are
dark browa stripes — only their dotted, black outlines rea
pale brown or grayish back, underside yellowish. Juveniles resemble aduli.
Scalation/ Denticion (after Smith)
Seales in 15, 16 or 17: 17: 11, 15 or 13 rows, smooth. Ventraly 164-187, rounded;
anal divided or undivided; subcaudels 118-134, paired. Nasal completely divided,
Suprelabials & (48 and Sé touching eye) or9(5# and 6* touching eye); elongate loreal,
preoeular 1, touches frontal; postoculars 2, rarely 3: temporals 232 or 2-3. Frontal
long and narzov distinetly longer than is distance from end of snout, emterior end
twice as broad as middle, Ty positively identify this species, the maxillary teeta must
be examined. Maxillary teeta 13 or 14; two in the middle, very strongly enlarged:
last two enlarged, grooved and pointed backoward.
Natural History/ Behavior
Maialy diurnal. Climbs well. Found in dry habitats like sandy deserts with seant
‘vogelation and even on beaches (not in India). Has been found hiding under rocks,
at the base of small bushes like Fupñoriia, or seen basking on low bushes in the
morning. A captive specimen was seen excavating a shallow hiding place by moving,
lose sand, Another, that was lightly colored when caught, became darker after
"being kept for three days on a dark verandah. Color change in snakes seems to be
rare. Feeds on lizards, geckos and occasionally small birds. Has grooved rear fangs,
‘Venom quickly immobilizes prey. In humans, the bite can cause pain, swelling and
‘Bleeding but no serious symptoms have been reported. Lays 4-10 eggs in March
July.
Afra-Asian Sand Snake
Psammophis schokari
ET
Afro-Asian Sand Snake Psammophis schokari Fa.
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON ‘Mina 1250m (Sch)
Distribution
India: Rajasthan (Jodhpu), possibly Gu'wat (Kutct) — a
single record from the year 1872 needs confirmation. Also
„7 Pakistan, the Midéle Last and most of North Africa, Founc
/ from sea level up 10 1678m (553513,
Sar
Look-alikes
Other sand snakes.
Bronzebacks.
310
Afro-Asian Sand Snake
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON ‘Mina 1250m (Sch)
Distribution
India: Rajasthan (Jodhpu), possibly Gu'wat (Kutct) — a
single record from the year 1872 needs confirmation. Also
„7 Pakistan, the Midéle Last and most of North Africa, Founc
/ from sea level up 10 1678m (553513,
Sar
Look-alikes
Other sand snakes.
Bronzebacks.
310
Afro-Asian Sand Snake
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Condanarns Sand Snake Psammophis condanarus
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON Maximum 1075 rm Cin)
Deseription
Long, slender, smooth-ccaled, Outer edges of belly scales rounded (not sharply
towards
angled upwardinot keeledínot angulate laterally). Head elongate, tape
frort; sligh-ly broader than reck; distinet ridge between sop and side of head; large
eye has round pupi: tail long, Pale brown or light olive, usually with five biack-
edged, dark brown stripes that start at aeed and run along length of bocy. Underside
yellowish-white, outer edge of each belly scale edged with black. Snakes from
aster Maharashtra have three broad stripes that begin after aeck and a broad s:teak
‘on side of heac, from tip of snout to behind eye. Often mistaken for 2 Brorzeback
Tree Snake (which has keeled belly sceles).
Scalation/ Dentition (after Smich)
jes in 17: 17: 15 oF 13 ih. Ventrals 165-179, rounded; anal divided;
:audals: males 85-93, females 75-85, paired. Supralabials $ (4% and 5° touching
eye): elongate loreal; preocular |: postoculars 2; temporals 142. Frontal distine.ly
le.
middle 2 enlarged with cistinct interval in front, but not
always behind: las: two enlarges. grooved and pointed backward.
Natural History! Behavior
Diurnal, The common: name is misleading us this species is never actually found i
sand. A good climber, often seen on trees. Inhabits stony areas, arid deciduous serub
forest and the foothills of the western Himalayas, Eats trogs, lizards, skinks, sma!
odents and sometimes snekes. Lays e
Distribution
3 India: Utaranehal (Dehra Dun), Punjab, Gujarat
? Maharashtra (Pune, Jena, Budhana). Ullar Predesh, Bihar,
(Orissa, West Bengal (10 86° E longitude). A lone record 0)
this snake recoverec from: the storzach of a Short-toed Eagle
in Bandipur National Park, Karnteka needs conf
Also found in Pakistan and Nepal. Found up to about 1830m
(6000)
5
El
=
E
=
x
Condanarus Sand Snake
MILDLY VENOMOUS, INCOMMON
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON Maximum 1075 rm Cin)
Deseription
Long, slender, smooth-ccaled, Outer edges of belly scales rounded (not sharply
towards
angled upwardinot keeledínot angulate laterally). Head elongate, tape
frort; sligh-ly broader than reck; distinet ridge between sop and side of head; large
eye has round pupi: tail long, Pale brown or light olive, usually with five biack-
edged, dark brown stripes that start at aeed and run along length of bocy. Underside
yellowish-white, outer edge of each belly scale edged with black. Snakes from
aster Maharashtra have three broad stripes that begin after aeck and a broad s:teak
‘on side of heac, from tip of snout to behind eye. Often mistaken for 2 Brorzeback
Tree Snake (which has keeled belly sceles).
Scalation/ Dentition (after Smich)
jes in 17: 17: 15 oF 13 ih. Ventrals 165-179, rounded; anal divided;
:audals: males 85-93, females 75-85, paired. Supralabials $ (4% and 5° touching
eye): elongate loreal; preocular |: postoculars 2; temporals 142. Frontal distine.ly
le.
middle 2 enlarged with cistinct interval in front, but not
always behind: las: two enlarges. grooved and pointed backward.
Natural History! Behavior
Diurnal, The common: name is misleading us this species is never actually found i
sand. A good climber, often seen on trees. Inhabits stony areas, arid deciduous serub
forest and the foothills of the western Himalayas, Eats trogs, lizards, skinks, sma!
odents and sometimes snekes. Lays e
Distribution
3 India: Utaranehal (Dehra Dun), Punjab, Gujarat
? Maharashtra (Pune, Jena, Budhana). Ullar Predesh, Bihar,
(Orissa, West Bengal (10 86° E longitude). A lone record 0)
this snake recoverec from: the storzach of a Short-toed Eagle
in Bandipur National Park, Karnteka needs conf
Also found in Pakistan and Nepal. Found up to about 1830m
(6000)
5
El
=
E
=
x
Condanarus Sand Snake
MILDLY VENOMOUS, INCOMMON
Stout Sand Snake Psammophis longifrons
MILDLY VENOMOUS, RARE Mexienam 1230 in)
Description
Tong, sout-sodied, smoo:h-scaled. Outer edges of belly scales rounded (not sharply
upturnedtaor kealsd/not sngulate laterally). Head elongace, pers towards fio
slightiy broader then neck: dise ridge between op and side of head, largo w
has round pep. Tail long. Predominaatly brown back; uppermost body scales (and
sometimes head scales) black-edged. Underside white, yellowish-wite o: gray.
‘A juveaile seen in Jure was uniform pale brown above, except for scales of the
vertebral row which were black-edged and formed a nazrow chain along the entire
tack. (ooiealihe broazebacks all eve belly scales tha are anguate lateral)
Scalation! Dentition (after Smith)
Seales in 17 : 17 : 13 rows, smooth. Ventral 166-175, rounded; anal divided;
subeaidals 79-93, pared. Supriabials 8 (4% and 5® touching eye), temporals 2+2
or 243; frontal long end narrow, not longer than is distance from enc of snout, not
touching preovulas, Maxillary teeth 12 or 13; middle 2 very strongly ealarged with
distinc: interval in front cnc behind; las: nwo mexila-y teeth rlerged, grooved and
pointed backward
Natural History/ Behavior
Poorly known, Terrestrial und arboreal. The common name is misleading as this
species is never actually found in sand. Probably eats lizards and geckos. Not
inclined to bite when handled.
tion
= India: Maharashrra and Gujarat nort of Mumbei (Ihane
and Damanganga districts, Nagpur, Valsed’Bulsar and
Panck Muhals), Known only Som a few specimens. À
record from Andhra Pradesh (Cuéappah Hills) is probably
correct
3
3
£
À
E
E
E
BS
ES
Maximum 1230 (4)
E
H
le
als
Ei
als
3:
ale
3
MILDLY VENOMOUS, RARE Mexienam 1230 in)
Description
Tong, sout-sodied, smoo:h-scaled. Outer edges of belly scales rounded (not sharply
upturnedtaor kealsd/not sngulate laterally). Head elongace, pers towards fio
slightiy broader then neck: dise ridge between op and side of head, largo w
has round pep. Tail long. Predominaatly brown back; uppermost body scales (and
sometimes head scales) black-edged. Underside white, yellowish-wite o: gray.
‘A juveaile seen in Jure was uniform pale brown above, except for scales of the
vertebral row which were black-edged and formed a nazrow chain along the entire
tack. (ooiealihe broazebacks all eve belly scales tha are anguate lateral)
Scalation! Dentition (after Smith)
Seales in 17 : 17 : 13 rows, smooth. Ventral 166-175, rounded; anal divided;
subeaidals 79-93, pared. Supriabials 8 (4% and 5® touching eye), temporals 2+2
or 243; frontal long end narrow, not longer than is distance from enc of snout, not
touching preovulas, Maxillary teeth 12 or 13; middle 2 very strongly ealarged with
distinc: interval in front cnc behind; las: nwo mexila-y teeth rlerged, grooved and
pointed backward
Natural History/ Behavior
Poorly known, Terrestrial und arboreal. The common name is misleading as this
species is never actually found in sand. Probably eats lizards and geckos. Not
inclined to bite when handled.
tion
= India: Maharashrra and Gujarat nort of Mumbei (Ihane
and Damanganga districts, Nagpur, Valsed’Bulsar and
Panck Muhals), Known only Som a few specimens. À
record from Andhra Pradesh (Cuéappah Hills) is probably
correct
3
3
£
À
E
E
E
BS
ES
Maximum 1230 (4)
E
H
le
als
Ei
als
3:
ale
3
Leith's Sand Snake Psammophis leit ale
MILDLY VENOMOUS, RARE Minas 5 mm GS il
Description Se
Tore Eset Hoden Ne ne NB
sharply uprumecinet kesled/not angulate laterally), He elongts, tpers towards els
front; slightly brocder than neck; distinet ridge between top and side of heud large
pupil; til long. Pale yellow'sh-brown back, with four dark brown
stripes that begin on head and run along length of >ody. Middle of head usually has a
long, dark marking. Body stripes dotted or lined on both sides with black. Underside
yellowish-white. Frequen-ly mistakon for the Bronzchuck Tree Snake (Wwaich has
keeled belly scales).
Sealation/ Dentition (after Smith)
Seales in 17:17: 15 or 13 rows, smocth. Ventrals rornded: males 159-175; females
170-287; anal 1; subcaudals paired: males 104-109; females 92-104, Supralabials
8 (2 and S* touching eye); preocular 1; temporals 1-2; frontal long und narrow,
abruptly breeder in front. Maxillary teeth 11 or 12; those in the middle slightly
enlarged with interval before/after/before and after; last two enlarged, grooved and
pointed backward.
Natural History; Behavior
Diurnal, Terrestrial and arboreal. Fourd in marshes, grassland, clay or sandy desert.
In Pakistan, itis Zound by the coast where there is plenty of scrub cover, Fats skinks
and lizards; raids bird nests, Lays 4-10 eggs in March-Juno.
Distribution
India: Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Utar Pradesh,
Gujarat, and Mehareshra. Also Pakistan "HA
Hels
3
Look-alikes Sie
Bronzebacks. als
Sand snakes. BE
HE
a
Mu
316
MILDLY VENOMOUS, RARE Minas 5 mm GS il
Description Se
Tore Eset Hoden Ne ne NB
sharply uprumecinet kesled/not angulate laterally), He elongts, tpers towards els
front; slightly brocder than neck; distinet ridge between top and side of heud large
pupil; til long. Pale yellow'sh-brown back, with four dark brown
stripes that begin on head and run along length of >ody. Middle of head usually has a
long, dark marking. Body stripes dotted or lined on both sides with black. Underside
yellowish-white. Frequen-ly mistakon for the Bronzchuck Tree Snake (Wwaich has
keeled belly scales).
Sealation/ Dentition (after Smith)
Seales in 17:17: 15 or 13 rows, smocth. Ventrals rornded: males 159-175; females
170-287; anal 1; subcaudals paired: males 104-109; females 92-104, Supralabials
8 (2 and S* touching eye); preocular 1; temporals 1-2; frontal long und narrow,
abruptly breeder in front. Maxillary teeth 11 or 12; those in the middle slightly
enlarged with interval before/after/before and after; last two enlarged, grooved and
pointed backward.
Natural History; Behavior
Diurnal, Terrestrial and arboreal. Fourd in marshes, grassland, clay or sandy desert.
In Pakistan, itis Zound by the coast where there is plenty of scrub cover, Fats skinks
and lizards; raids bird nests, Lays 4-10 eggs in March-Juno.
Distribution
India: Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Utar Pradesh,
Gujarat, and Mehareshra. Also Pakistan "HA
Hels
3
Look-alikes Sie
Bronzebacks. als
Sand snakes. BE
HE
a
Mu
316
Mock Viper Psammodynastes pulverulentus
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON AE 150-180nm (in)
Maxim 770m Oia)
Description
Body cylindrical;
Snout short,
les smooth. “Viper-like” head distirerly broader than neck
ip appears to be abruptly eut wher seen from side (truncate). Large
eye has vertically elliptical pupil, which at times appears round. Body color varies
greatly: Females dark, males light colored. Upper scales dul (as opposed to glossy)
‘ne, pale 10 dark brown, or sooty grayisa-black, sometimes with
small black marks or streaks that may be paired. Side of body often has three
closely spaced lines or series of yellowish spots. Top of head has three or four long
Carl, symmeuical lines (not easily visible in dark forms). Underside very glossy,
powdered or lined with brown, pink or gray.
Scalati
Seales in 17 : 17 : 15 rows, smooth
subeaudals 44-78, pairec. Preocular 1 or 2; postoculars 2 to 4; temporals 2+3 rarely
242; supralabials usually 8 (3% 10 5" touching eye). Three pairs of genial
Natural History! Behavior
Active by day and night. Found in low bushes and on th
as welt as hills, where it is fairly common. Fats skinl
small snakes. Enlarge
saliva into
Jul
ound. Occurs in plains
other lizards, frogs ard
ed, grooved rear teeth in upper jes presumably help chew toxic
Effect ots saliva on kuraans is unknown, Bears 3-10 live young in
September. A feisty snake, will quickly strike at he slightest provocation
Distribution
India: northem Orissa, caslem Himalayas to Arunachal
Predesb. Also Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Chins, Bangladesh,
y. Taiwan, the Philippines and Borneo.
Look-alikes
Himalayan Pit Viper.
Nor Conde Chg dee. Areca Pr, I
Psammodynestes pulverulentus
E
5
=
3
=
Tann 770man (605)
&
S
E
&
=
E
El
2
E
4
3
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON AE 150-180nm (in)
Maxim 770m Oia)
Description
Body cylindrical;
Snout short,
les smooth. “Viper-like” head distirerly broader than neck
ip appears to be abruptly eut wher seen from side (truncate). Large
eye has vertically elliptical pupil, which at times appears round. Body color varies
greatly: Females dark, males light colored. Upper scales dul (as opposed to glossy)
‘ne, pale 10 dark brown, or sooty grayisa-black, sometimes with
small black marks or streaks that may be paired. Side of body often has three
closely spaced lines or series of yellowish spots. Top of head has three or four long
Carl, symmeuical lines (not easily visible in dark forms). Underside very glossy,
powdered or lined with brown, pink or gray.
Scalati
Seales in 17 : 17 : 15 rows, smooth
subeaudals 44-78, pairec. Preocular 1 or 2; postoculars 2 to 4; temporals 2+3 rarely
242; supralabials usually 8 (3% 10 5" touching eye). Three pairs of genial
Natural History! Behavior
Active by day and night. Found in low bushes and on th
as welt as hills, where it is fairly common. Fats skinl
small snakes. Enlarge
saliva into
Jul
ound. Occurs in plains
other lizards, frogs ard
ed, grooved rear teeth in upper jes presumably help chew toxic
Effect ots saliva on kuraans is unknown, Bears 3-10 live young in
September. A feisty snake, will quickly strike at he slightest provocation
Distribution
India: northem Orissa, caslem Himalayas to Arunachal
Predesb. Also Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Chins, Bangladesh,
y. Taiwan, the Philippines and Borneo.
Look-alikes
Himalayan Pit Viper.
Nor Conde Chg dee. Areca Pr, I
Psammodynestes pulverulentus
E
5
=
3
=
Tann 770man (605)
&
S
E
&
=
E
El
2
E
4
3
Giinthor's Vine Snake Ahaetulla dispar
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON “As bina 70-90rmra Gin)
Maximum 786mm 63243)
Description
‘ong, slender, smooth-sealed. Heac elongate with pointed snout shorter than that
ofthe Commor Vine Snake. Eye lange, transversely oval with horizontal pupil. Tail
long. Two very distinct color phases: either bright green or brownish-grocn hack;
srscale skin black and white (or only black). Underside pale- or brownish-green
(olive). A white or yellow lire runs along outer margins of belly scales.
ei
Scala
Scales in 15: 15 : 13 oblique rows, smooth, Ventrals 136-156; anals divide
entire): subeandals 78-119, paired, Supralahials $ (5% touching
al and 1 or 2 presuboculars); 1 or 2 loreals (rarely absent):
Al inka 70-5
Natural History/ Behavior
Poorly known. A montane species. Diurnal usually seen in open country on grass
clumps, low bushes or trees, rarely on the ground. Feeds on lizards, ftogs and other
Rear Zanges like all vine snakes, Mild venom can paralyze small prey. Bears
4-11 live young Match-July. F provoked, will open mouth and inflate neck and body
cereale color. In explivity, ealms down rapidly and is not as defensive or
likely to bite as the Common Vine Snake.
4
Distribution
Endemic 10 india. Southern Western Ghats ~ Tamil Nada
(Pains, Nilgiris, High Wavys, Anamalai Hills} 10 Kerala
+, (Cardamom Hills). Recorced up to 243$m (80001
Look-alikes
Bronze-headed Vine
Common Vine Sta
Giinther’s Vine Snake
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON “As bina 70-90rmra Gin)
Maximum 786mm 63243)
Description
‘ong, slender, smooth-sealed. Heac elongate with pointed snout shorter than that
ofthe Commor Vine Snake. Eye lange, transversely oval with horizontal pupil. Tail
long. Two very distinct color phases: either bright green or brownish-grocn hack;
srscale skin black and white (or only black). Underside pale- or brownish-green
(olive). A white or yellow lire runs along outer margins of belly scales.
ei
Scala
Scales in 15: 15 : 13 oblique rows, smooth, Ventrals 136-156; anals divide
entire): subeandals 78-119, paired, Supralahials $ (5% touching
al and 1 or 2 presuboculars); 1 or 2 loreals (rarely absent):
Al inka 70-5
Natural History/ Behavior
Poorly known. A montane species. Diurnal usually seen in open country on grass
clumps, low bushes or trees, rarely on the ground. Feeds on lizards, ftogs and other
Rear Zanges like all vine snakes, Mild venom can paralyze small prey. Bears
4-11 live young Match-July. F provoked, will open mouth and inflate neck and body
cereale color. In explivity, ealms down rapidly and is not as defensive or
likely to bite as the Common Vine Snake.
4
Distribution
Endemic 10 india. Southern Western Ghats ~ Tamil Nada
(Pains, Nilgiris, High Wavys, Anamalai Hills} 10 Kerala
+, (Cardamom Hills). Recorced up to 243$m (80001
Look-alikes
Bronze-headed Vine
Common Vine Sta
Giinther’s Vine Snake
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON
Short-nosed Vine Snake Ahaetulla prasina
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON. ‘At birth 230-290 (9-19in)
Meximum 197mm (Sin)
Deseriptior
Long, slender, smooth-scaled. Snout tapeis to a point shorter than that of she
Common Vine Snake. Lye large, transverse'y oval witi horizontal pupil. Tail long.
Green, gray, yellow ox pale browa back; lighter underside with a yellow or white line
usually separating the two colors. Interscale skin on back visible as black and white
oblique Lines.
Ahaetulla
Sealation
Scales in 1S 15 13 oblique vows, smooth, Ventals 194-235; acal divided (rarely E
nice; subcaudals: males 157-192, females 141-172; paired, Loreals 2 of 3; 5
preocular 1 (louches frontal); postoculers 2; temporals 2
(not divided horizontally, 4* Lo 6% touching ey
or 243; supralabials 9
Abi
Natural History/ Behavior
Diumal and mainly arboreal. Found in scrub or forested areas. Feeds mostly on
lizards, occasionally birds and frogs inged like all vine snakes, using mild
venom aad a sueprisingly strong grip to scbeue prey. Females bear 4-10 live young
May-Tune.
Distributi
India: fiom West Bengal (Jalpaiguri distrie and Sikkim +
he custom Himalayas) to Arunachal Pradesh up to 2100m
E y 499 (65508) Also Banglarsh and much of Southeast Asia
Look-alikes
Common Vine Sneke.
DLY VENOMOUS, COMMON
Short-nosed Vine Snake
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON. ‘At birth 230-290 (9-19in)
Meximum 197mm (Sin)
Deseriptior
Long, slender, smooth-scaled. Snout tapeis to a point shorter than that of she
Common Vine Snake. Lye large, transverse'y oval witi horizontal pupil. Tail long.
Green, gray, yellow ox pale browa back; lighter underside with a yellow or white line
usually separating the two colors. Interscale skin on back visible as black and white
oblique Lines.
Ahaetulla
Sealation
Scales in 1S 15 13 oblique vows, smooth, Ventals 194-235; acal divided (rarely E
nice; subcaudals: males 157-192, females 141-172; paired, Loreals 2 of 3; 5
preocular 1 (louches frontal); postoculers 2; temporals 2
(not divided horizontally, 4* Lo 6% touching ey
or 243; supralabials 9
Abi
Natural History/ Behavior
Diumal and mainly arboreal. Found in scrub or forested areas. Feeds mostly on
lizards, occasionally birds and frogs inged like all vine snakes, using mild
venom aad a sueprisingly strong grip to scbeue prey. Females bear 4-10 live young
May-Tune.
Distributi
India: fiom West Bengal (Jalpaiguri distrie and Sikkim +
he custom Himalayas) to Arunachal Pradesh up to 2100m
E y 499 (65508) Also Banglarsh and much of Southeast Asia
Look-alikes
Common Vine Sneke.
DLY VENOMOUS, COMMON
Short-nosed Vine Snake
Common Vine Snake Ahaetulla nasuta
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON
Description
Tong, stender, sinooti-scal
as horizontal pupil. Tail Io
back, often with a thin white o yellow line separating upper body scales “tom belly
scales, Underside usualy light green or yellow (rarely gray, pink or rose-red). The
snout ip taper to point, Wien viewed fior above, it usually consiss of a single
scale which i grooved inthe middle; rarely there ae afew tiny scales at base oF the
scale. (In the Brown Vine Snake the snovt tp is sighlly swollen, has no groove in
the middle and is covered by several small scales).
Sealation
Seales in 15 : 15 : 13 oblique rows, smooth. Ventrals 166-207: amal divided:
subeaudals: males 156-180, males 135-152; paired,
Natural History/ Behavior
Diurnal, usunliy seen on low bushes of trees, rarely on tae ground. Feeds mainly
on lizards, frogs, small birds and mice, One was seen eating tadpoles, another
swallowing a shielétail snake. In Sri Lanka, seen catching and eating fish
Rear-fanged. Mikd venom can paralyze smell prey. Up to 23 young are bom in
Match-Decen:ber. The female simply drops (he babies wherever she is. If provoked
‘will open mouth wide and indate neck and body black and white interscale
color.
Distribution
a Throughout India (except in the Norıhw uch of tae
tic basin), Known from Bengal (Ja extent of
+, distribution in the Nondicast uncertsin. Also Bangladesh,
¿7 Sri Lanka, and Nepal, Recorded up 10 1000:n (328010,
Lookealikes
Other vine snakes,
Green pit vipers.
Green Keelback.
i
i
À
i
i
Ahaetulla nasuta
Tia) du
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON
y
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON
Description
Tong, stender, sinooti-scal
as horizontal pupil. Tail Io
back, often with a thin white o yellow line separating upper body scales “tom belly
scales, Underside usualy light green or yellow (rarely gray, pink or rose-red). The
snout ip taper to point, Wien viewed fior above, it usually consiss of a single
scale which i grooved inthe middle; rarely there ae afew tiny scales at base oF the
scale. (In the Brown Vine Snake the snovt tp is sighlly swollen, has no groove in
the middle and is covered by several small scales).
Sealation
Seales in 15 : 15 : 13 oblique rows, smooth. Ventrals 166-207: amal divided:
subeaudals: males 156-180, males 135-152; paired,
Natural History/ Behavior
Diurnal, usunliy seen on low bushes of trees, rarely on tae ground. Feeds mainly
on lizards, frogs, small birds and mice, One was seen eating tadpoles, another
swallowing a shielétail snake. In Sri Lanka, seen catching and eating fish
Rear-fanged. Mikd venom can paralyze smell prey. Up to 23 young are bom in
Match-Decen:ber. The female simply drops (he babies wherever she is. If provoked
‘will open mouth wide and indate neck and body black and white interscale
color.
Distribution
a Throughout India (except in the Norıhw uch of tae
tic basin), Known from Bengal (Ja extent of
+, distribution in the Nondicast uncertsin. Also Bangladesh,
¿7 Sri Lanka, and Nepal, Recorded up 10 1000:n (328010,
Lookealikes
Other vine snakes,
Green pit vipers.
Green Keelback.
i
i
À
i
i
Ahaetulla nasuta
Tia) du
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON
y
on Vine Snake
Brown Vine Snake
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Ahaetuila pulverulenta
Maxime 730mm (6812)
Description
Long, slender, smooth-scaled. Extremely pointed head with extended nose tip. Thin,
dark brown four-sided (romboidal) mark on top of head; brown stripe passing
through eve on side of head. Fye large, transversely oval with horizontal pupil, Gray
‘or brown. with darker brown spots and blackish-brown oblique or cross markings.
Underside gray or brown. The snout tip ofthe Brown Vin: Snake is slightly swollen,
has no groove in the middle and is covered by several small scales. (In the Green
Vine Snake it is tapered and when viewed from above consists of a single scale
which is grooved in the midäle; there are rately a few tiny scales at is base). Two
other lookalikes — dhe Brona=hcadod Vire Snake (usually green, rarely olive-
brown) and Günther’s Vine Snake, have fewer belly and “under til” scales (ventrals
and subeaudals). None of the look-alikes have a shoraboidal head mark, or a stripe
passing through the eye.
Sealation
Seales in 15 : 15 : 13 oblique rows, smooth; anal divided (rarcly entire). India:
als 182-203; subeaudals 169-208, paired. Sri Lanka: ventrals 179-
ihcaudals 151-178, paired.
{tural History’ Behavior
Diurnal and mainly arboreal. Found in plains and hills. Keeds mostly on lizarés, but
0 on birds and frogs. Rear-fanged like all vine snakes, using mild venom and a
surprisingly strong grip uo subdue prey, Females bear 6-12 live young,
Distribution
India: the Western Ghuts from Gujerat to Kerala; Tamil
‘Nadi = Alagarkoil Ills near Madurai, up to 915: (30008).
2, Also Sri Lanka.
Look-alikes
Common Vine Snake (brown forms)
ronze-headed Vine Snake.
Günther’s Vine Snake.
332
Tr
i
à
s
Brown Vine Snake
Vast
MIL DIY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Ahaetuila pulverulenta
Maxime 730mm (6812)
Description
Long, slender, smooth-scaled. Extremely pointed head with extended nose tip. Thin,
dark brown four-sided (romboidal) mark on top of head; brown stripe passing
through eve on side of head. Fye large, transversely oval with horizontal pupil, Gray
‘or brown. with darker brown spots and blackish-brown oblique or cross markings.
Underside gray or brown. The snout tip ofthe Brown Vin: Snake is slightly swollen,
has no groove in the middle and is covered by several small scales. (In the Green
Vine Snake it is tapered and when viewed from above consists of a single scale
which is grooved in the midäle; there are rately a few tiny scales at is base). Two
other lookalikes — dhe Brona=hcadod Vire Snake (usually green, rarely olive-
brown) and Günther’s Vine Snake, have fewer belly and “under til” scales (ventrals
and subeaudals). None of the look-alikes have a shoraboidal head mark, or a stripe
passing through the eye.
Sealation
Seales in 15 : 15 : 13 oblique rows, smooth; anal divided (rarcly entire). India:
als 182-203; subeaudals 169-208, paired. Sri Lanka: ventrals 179-
ihcaudals 151-178, paired.
{tural History’ Behavior
Diurnal and mainly arboreal. Found in plains and hills. Keeds mostly on lizarés, but
0 on birds and frogs. Rear-fanged like all vine snakes, using mild venom and a
surprisingly strong grip uo subdue prey, Females bear 6-12 live young,
Distribution
India: the Western Ghuts from Gujerat to Kerala; Tamil
‘Nadi = Alagarkoil Ills near Madurai, up to 915: (30008).
2, Also Sri Lanka.
Look-alikes
Common Vine Snake (brown forms)
ronze-headed Vine Snake.
Günther’s Vine Snake.
332
Tr
i
à
s
Brown Vine Snake
Vast
MIL DIY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Plumbeous Smooth-scaled Water Snake
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Enhydris plumbea
“AL bir 89-130:
Maximum S6Omm: (2
Description
Stout-bodied, smooü-scaled. Blunt head not, or very slightly wider than neck
shout broadly rounded; small eye has vertcel pupil. Tail short. Dark lead-aray,
olive, greenish or yellow back; cales with blackish-gray margins. Some have small
black spots onthe middle of back. Lowest thre scale rows on each side yellow with
prominent blackishegray edges (uniform yellow in young snakes). Well-developed
bell scales whitish or yellow, often with dark spots or a black midebelly aie:
scales beneath tal similarly colored with a black Iin in ‘he middle. Our description
includes all own color forms. The only two specimens recorded from the Nicobars
ad a uniform gray back and white underside. More sightings are needed o confirm
that this isthe only color form found in the Nicobar Islands
Sealation
Sea'es in 19 rows, smoota; ventrals 112-139; anal divided: subaudals 22-45, paired
Supralabials 8 (4* or 4* and 5* touching eye); preocular 1; postoculars 2: temporals
142, Nasal scales in contact anteriorly despite single broad, triangular internasal
Natural History/ Behavior
Active by day and night. Found near paddy fields or in ponds and streams, Euss
fish, frogs, and crustaceans. Gives birth to 6-30 young that resemble adults,
An active snake; bites readily in defense,
Distribut
India: recently recorded from the Great Nicobar Island
(Galathea River bank). Also most of Southeast Asi.
Look-alikes
Glossy Marsh Snake,
Enhydris plumbea
Tien
Plumbeous Smooth-scaled Water
MILDLY VENOMOUS. UNCOMMON
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Enhydris plumbea
“AL bir 89-130:
Maximum S6Omm: (2
Description
Stout-bodied, smooü-scaled. Blunt head not, or very slightly wider than neck
shout broadly rounded; small eye has vertcel pupil. Tail short. Dark lead-aray,
olive, greenish or yellow back; cales with blackish-gray margins. Some have small
black spots onthe middle of back. Lowest thre scale rows on each side yellow with
prominent blackishegray edges (uniform yellow in young snakes). Well-developed
bell scales whitish or yellow, often with dark spots or a black midebelly aie:
scales beneath tal similarly colored with a black Iin in ‘he middle. Our description
includes all own color forms. The only two specimens recorded from the Nicobars
ad a uniform gray back and white underside. More sightings are needed o confirm
that this isthe only color form found in the Nicobar Islands
Sealation
Sea'es in 19 rows, smoota; ventrals 112-139; anal divided: subaudals 22-45, paired
Supralabials 8 (4* or 4* and 5* touching eye); preocular 1; postoculars 2: temporals
142, Nasal scales in contact anteriorly despite single broad, triangular internasal
Natural History/ Behavior
Active by day and night. Found near paddy fields or in ponds and streams, Euss
fish, frogs, and crustaceans. Gives birth to 6-30 young that resemble adults,
An active snake; bites readily in defense,
Distribut
India: recently recorded from the Great Nicobar Island
(Galathea River bank). Also most of Southeast Asi.
Look-alikes
Glossy Marsh Snake,
Enhydris plumbea
Tien
Plumbeous Smooth-scaled Water
MILDLY VENOMOUS. UNCOMMON
Common Smonth-scaled Water Snake Enbydris enhydris
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON A bins 1b (on)
Masimem 21am Ci)
Description
Stout-bodied; smooth-sealed. Tail abrupily tapered, Olive, brown or gray back,
either with a broad siripe on back that runs Som head to tail tip, or three series of
indistinct dark spots (one on back, one on eaca sice). Belly scales yellow or white
with brown outer edges on esch side and usually with brown central spots. Young
have three “ight lines on back. (The look-alike Olive Keelback has keeled seales and
a uniform, yellow, orange or wh:te underside)
Sealation
Scales in 21, rarely 19 or 23 rows at mid-bocy, smooth. Ventrals 124-177; anal
divided; subcaudals 46-79, paired. Single internasal touches loreal; supralabials 8
(4° touching eye).
Natural History? Behavior
Diumal. Inhabits fresh or breckish water bodies. Mostly cats fish, but also tadpoles.
fogs, and lizards. Has slightly enlarged, grooved teeth in back of upper jas and
mildly toxic saliva. Does not usually bie wien aandled, but a bite caused swelling
and the affected par: throbbed Zor about an hour, Mating sven in October-November:
gravid females collected in March, Bears 4-12 live young.
Distribution
a Trdia: coastal Andhra Pradesh (Vishakhapamam), easter
Umar Pradesh, Lihar, Orissa, West Bengal as far north as
zu the Himalayan foothills in Assam. Also Bangladesh, Nepal
and Myanmar.
Look-alikes
Olive Keelback
Glossy Marsh Snake.
336
WoLFCANG WOSTER
à
=
à
Common Smooth-scaled Water Snake
DIX VENOMOUS, COMMON
Mi
MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON A bins 1b (on)
Masimem 21am Ci)
Description
Stout-bodied; smooth-sealed. Tail abrupily tapered, Olive, brown or gray back,
either with a broad siripe on back that runs Som head to tail tip, or three series of
indistinct dark spots (one on back, one on eaca sice). Belly scales yellow or white
with brown outer edges on esch side and usually with brown central spots. Young
have three “ight lines on back. (The look-alike Olive Keelback has keeled seales and
a uniform, yellow, orange or wh:te underside)
Sealation
Scales in 21, rarely 19 or 23 rows at mid-bocy, smooth. Ventrals 124-177; anal
divided; subcaudals 46-79, paired. Single internasal touches loreal; supralabials 8
(4° touching eye).
Natural History? Behavior
Diumal. Inhabits fresh or breckish water bodies. Mostly cats fish, but also tadpoles.
fogs, and lizards. Has slightly enlarged, grooved teeth in back of upper jas and
mildly toxic saliva. Does not usually bie wien aandled, but a bite caused swelling
and the affected par: throbbed Zor about an hour, Mating sven in October-November:
gravid females collected in March, Bears 4-12 live young.
Distribution
a Trdia: coastal Andhra Pradesh (Vishakhapamam), easter
Umar Pradesh, Lihar, Orissa, West Bengal as far north as
zu the Himalayan foothills in Assam. Also Bangladesh, Nepal
and Myanmar.
Look-alikes
Olive Keelback
Glossy Marsh Snake.
336
WoLFCANG WOSTER
à
=
à
Common Smooth-scaled Water Snake
DIX VENOMOUS, COMMON
Mi
Siebold's Smooth-scaled Water Snake Enhydris sieboldit
MILDLY VENOMOUS, RARE ‘Masinnuin 2301000 tin)
Description
Stout-bodied; smoot!-sesled. Head slightly broader than neck: snout blunt; sll
eyes and nostils placed high on head. Vertically elliptical pupil and erescentic
nostris (only visible under magrificetion). Pale brown or off-white back with very
broad, closely-speced, dark brown or dull olive green, squats, blask-edged marks
that are much broader than the pale cxoss-ises. Markings on back (which often join
along riding) alternate with a series oF smal.e: spots on each side cf body. On some
specimens the markings are so closely spueed thal he snakes are dark olive green or
brown with nero, pale broÿn cross lines. Top of head has three bold, dark brown
stripes that converge or joia between the eyes, Underside white with black ctecks
(more cisely marked on tal) or pale brown, mottled with dark green
Scalation
‘Scales in 27 or 29, rarely 31 or 33 rows at midbody, smooth. Ventrals 143-158; anal
divided; subcaudals 43-56, paired, Imernasals 2; supralubials 7 or 8 (42 touching
eye); loreal 1; preocula 1 or 2; postocalars 2; temporals 112 (or absent,
Natural History! Behavior
‚Active in the early morning. Found in or close to rivers and water bodies. Furrows
decp into mad. Euts fogs, toads ard fish. Has slightly enlarged, grooved teeth in
back of upper jaw and milály toxic saliva. Bears up to 7 live young around July,
Young resembie adults. Will strike fiercely if provokes.
Distribution
oS India: Ganga, Yamuna, Prahmspura rivers and their
oe tributaries. Recorded from Delhi, Liter Pradesh (Agra,
oY Faizabad), Uttaranchal (Corbett National Park), Madaya
& Pradesh (Sagar), Bihar (Patn, Parnca, Champaran), West
€ Bengal (Pusa) and Nagaland (Samaguting). Old records
\ from Mumbai and coastal Kerala need confirmation, Also
oe Nepal Bangladesh and Manos
NO
Look-alikes
Checkered Keelback.
338
ADULT. Sm, No
Enhydris sieboldii
Siebold’s Smooth-sealed Water Snake
MILDLY VENOMOUS, RARE.
MILDLY VENOMOUS, RARE ‘Masinnuin 2301000 tin)
Description
Stout-bodied; smoot!-sesled. Head slightly broader than neck: snout blunt; sll
eyes and nostils placed high on head. Vertically elliptical pupil and erescentic
nostris (only visible under magrificetion). Pale brown or off-white back with very
broad, closely-speced, dark brown or dull olive green, squats, blask-edged marks
that are much broader than the pale cxoss-ises. Markings on back (which often join
along riding) alternate with a series oF smal.e: spots on each side cf body. On some
specimens the markings are so closely spueed thal he snakes are dark olive green or
brown with nero, pale broÿn cross lines. Top of head has three bold, dark brown
stripes that converge or joia between the eyes, Underside white with black ctecks
(more cisely marked on tal) or pale brown, mottled with dark green
Scalation
‘Scales in 27 or 29, rarely 31 or 33 rows at midbody, smooth. Ventrals 143-158; anal
divided; subcaudals 43-56, paired, Imernasals 2; supralubials 7 or 8 (42 touching
eye); loreal 1; preocula 1 or 2; postocalars 2; temporals 112 (or absent,
Natural History! Behavior
‚Active in the early morning. Found in or close to rivers and water bodies. Furrows
decp into mad. Euts fogs, toads ard fish. Has slightly enlarged, grooved teeth in
back of upper jaw and milály toxic saliva. Bears up to 7 live young around July,
Young resembie adults. Will strike fiercely if provokes.
Distribution
oS India: Ganga, Yamuna, Prahmspura rivers and their
oe tributaries. Recorded from Delhi, Liter Pradesh (Agra,
oY Faizabad), Uttaranchal (Corbett National Park), Madaya
& Pradesh (Sagar), Bihar (Patn, Parnca, Champaran), West
€ Bengal (Pusa) and Nagaland (Samaguting). Old records
\ from Mumbai and coastal Kerala need confirmation, Also
oe Nepal Bangladesh and Manos
NO
Look-alikes
Checkered Keelback.
338
ADULT. Sm, No
Enhydris sieboldii
Siebold’s Smooth-sealed Water Snake
MILDLY VENOMOUS, RARE.
Dog-Taced Water Snake
‘MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON
Cerberus rynchops
Tr bik 1502500 (6-10in)
‘Ads 600me (24in)
Mexienum 127003 (Sin)
Description
Trick bodied with dull, srongly keeled scalos. Head slightly broader than neck;
small eye has slipticel pupil. Nostrls and eyes set high on head. Slate-gray, brown
or olive with a darker pattern of crossbars or (sometiries taint) spots on the back.
A black streak passes through eye onto the neck. Belly white or yellow with black
checks, or plain dark gray.
Sealation
Seales in 23-25 (rarcly 2 or 27) rows, strongly ke
anal divided: subeaudals 49-72, paired, Nasal shiel
‘of 2 internasals; frontal partly and parietals entirely broker: up into small scales.
Loreal higher than long, extending weil on to (op of snout; 1 pres, 1 poste und 2
suboculars: 9-10 supralabials (S° and 6” below eye, last 2 or 3 horizontally divided).
‘Three pairs of genials. ( Most species have two pairs of genials or they are altogether
absent another snake with three pairs of genials is tae Mock Viper Psammodynastes
pilveruientus)
lcd. Ventrals (122) 137-159;
touching despite presence
Natural History Behavi
Nocturnal, An excellent s moves rapidly across mud by side-winding,
ound in mudflat, estuaries, mangrove swamps, even in paddy fields several miles
from the coast, Olten lives ia crab holes and under rocks near the shore line. Eats
fish and eels. Sometimes son maling or feeding by day. Male comba! observed
south of Chennai in December. Berween 6-30 live young born lebruary-May (oth:
months reported in some areas). Newborn often stay with mother fora week o: more,
Usually mild-mannered.
Distribution
India: coasis and tidal rivers (including the Andaman &
ae, Nicobar Islands) Also Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka,
2 up to Australia (North coast), Interestingly, in Australia an
= aboriginal name for it is “dokadan”- the Telugu name for
the su
Look-alikes
Sea snakes,
Y VENOMOUS, COMMON
Dog-faced Water Snake
‘MILDLY VENOMOUS, COMMON
Cerberus rynchops
Tr bik 1502500 (6-10in)
‘Ads 600me (24in)
Mexienum 127003 (Sin)
Description
Trick bodied with dull, srongly keeled scalos. Head slightly broader than neck;
small eye has slipticel pupil. Nostrls and eyes set high on head. Slate-gray, brown
or olive with a darker pattern of crossbars or (sometiries taint) spots on the back.
A black streak passes through eye onto the neck. Belly white or yellow with black
checks, or plain dark gray.
Sealation
Seales in 23-25 (rarcly 2 or 27) rows, strongly ke
anal divided: subeaudals 49-72, paired, Nasal shiel
‘of 2 internasals; frontal partly and parietals entirely broker: up into small scales.
Loreal higher than long, extending weil on to (op of snout; 1 pres, 1 poste und 2
suboculars: 9-10 supralabials (S° and 6” below eye, last 2 or 3 horizontally divided).
‘Three pairs of genials. ( Most species have two pairs of genials or they are altogether
absent another snake with three pairs of genials is tae Mock Viper Psammodynastes
pilveruientus)
lcd. Ventrals (122) 137-159;
touching despite presence
Natural History Behavi
Nocturnal, An excellent s moves rapidly across mud by side-winding,
ound in mudflat, estuaries, mangrove swamps, even in paddy fields several miles
from the coast, Olten lives ia crab holes and under rocks near the shore line. Eats
fish and eels. Sometimes son maling or feeding by day. Male comba! observed
south of Chennai in December. Berween 6-30 live young born lebruary-May (oth:
months reported in some areas). Newborn often stay with mother fora week o: more,
Usually mild-mannered.
Distribution
India: coasis and tidal rivers (including the Andaman &
ae, Nicobar Islands) Also Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka,
2 up to Australia (North coast), Interestingly, in Australia an
= aboriginal name for it is “dokadan”- the Telugu name for
the su
Look-alikes
Sea snakes,
Y VENOMOUS, COMMON
Dog-faced Water Snake
ced Water Snake
rea,
soe
6 re e
E non veNowous, a Ss 6-10, al eg Ct (a nr Ve Se)
rea,
soe
6 re e
E non veNowous, a Ss 6-10, al eg Ct (a nr Ve Se)
Glossy Marsh Snake Geranda prevostiana
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOWMON ‘Maximum 525mm (21in)
Deseription
Body cylindrical. smooth-sealed, Head very slightly broader then neck; small eye,
situated high on heac, has vertical pupil. Short tail bas pointed up. Uniform grey,
brown or olive back has a distinet ivory white or pale yellow lateral strive from lip
scales to tip of iil, Strive situated on three body scale rows closest to belly. Lip
scales often edged with dars gray or olive. Belly scales gray with white outer edges;
or white with a dark gray margin — sometimes with a dark gray mid-belly stripe; or
yellow: Seales unde tai distinctly darcer than belly scales.
Scalation
Seales in 17 : 17 : 15 Garely 13) rows, smooth, Ventrals 144-157: anal divided:
subeaudals 29-36, paired, Frontal much broader than supraocular. Supralabials 7,
rately $ (4 touching eye); preocular 1; postoculars 2; temporals 142 0: 242. A single
internasal separates the nasals — a character seen in several other estuarine snakes.
Most other snakes have (wo internasals or none at all
Natural History/ Behavior (after Voris)
Noclumal, sometimes seen by day. Iahabits coastal areas, mangroves and estuaries,
Las fish, shrimp and other small squat‘e animals. Recent studies show this species
rests in mud lobster (Zhalassina anomala) koles during the day
moulted crabs (whose shells are still soft), Ifthe crab is co big to swallow y
the snake pulls the crab through a body coil to tear it into smaller pieces. Bears live
young
and eats recently
Distributi
India: coasts and tidal rivers. Also coasts of Bangladesh,
Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Thailane,
Look-alikes
Other brackish-water snakes (Homalopsinse)
344
‘Maximum 925mm Glin)
Gerarda prevostiana
3
5
3
MILDLY Y
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOWMON ‘Maximum 525mm (21in)
Deseription
Body cylindrical. smooth-sealed, Head very slightly broader then neck; small eye,
situated high on heac, has vertical pupil. Short tail bas pointed up. Uniform grey,
brown or olive back has a distinet ivory white or pale yellow lateral strive from lip
scales to tip of iil, Strive situated on three body scale rows closest to belly. Lip
scales often edged with dars gray or olive. Belly scales gray with white outer edges;
or white with a dark gray margin — sometimes with a dark gray mid-belly stripe; or
yellow: Seales unde tai distinctly darcer than belly scales.
Scalation
Seales in 17 : 17 : 15 Garely 13) rows, smooth, Ventrals 144-157: anal divided:
subeaudals 29-36, paired, Frontal much broader than supraocular. Supralabials 7,
rately $ (4 touching eye); preocular 1; postoculars 2; temporals 142 0: 242. A single
internasal separates the nasals — a character seen in several other estuarine snakes.
Most other snakes have (wo internasals or none at all
Natural History/ Behavior (after Voris)
Noclumal, sometimes seen by day. Iahabits coastal areas, mangroves and estuaries,
Las fish, shrimp and other small squat‘e animals. Recent studies show this species
rests in mud lobster (Zhalassina anomala) koles during the day
moulted crabs (whose shells are still soft), Ifthe crab is co big to swallow y
the snake pulls the crab through a body coil to tear it into smaller pieces. Bears live
young
and eats recently
Distributi
India: coasts and tidal rivers. Also coasts of Bangladesh,
Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Thailane,
Look-alikes
Other brackish-water snakes (Homalopsinse)
344
‘Maximum 925mm Glin)
Gerarda prevostiana
3
5
3
MILDLY Y
MARK O'STEA
Crab-enting Watersnake leucohalia ie
MILDLY VENOMOUS, RARE ‘Av bis 18020 (ir,
Maximum 950mm ir)
Description
Body stout, eylindrical, smooth-scaled. Head skort, not broader than neck; snout
rounded. Very small eye has vertical pupil. Tail short. Variable in color. Gray or
brown above, sometimes with small black spots. Underside white or yellow,
Fordonia leucobalia
rows, smooth, Ventrals 137-159 (last 1 or 2 oflen divided); anal
|; suscaucals 27-43, paired. Intemasal 1; preocular 1; postocalars 1-2.
anterior temporals 1-2; supralabials $ (3% touching eye, rarely 29 and 2 touching
eye); real usually absont, frontal about 4 times broader than supraocular
Natural History/ Behavior (after Voris)
Noctumal. Rests in mud lobster (Thalassina onomala) mounds by day. Hound
in mangroves and river movths. Lats erabs, This snake Las an unusual feeding
technique. lt strikes with closed mouth and pins erabs using chin and underside
before biting them. It also (ears legs of larger crabs before swallowing them. Bears
6-15 live young.
Distribution
India: West Benga! (Sunderbans), Nicobar Islands. Also
Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Java, New
=, Guinea and Australia
Look-alikes
None
3:
ele
Fal
ME
Ble
aS
32
ole
348
Crab-enting Watersnake leucohalia ie
MILDLY VENOMOUS, RARE ‘Av bis 18020 (ir,
Maximum 950mm ir)
Description
Body stout, eylindrical, smooth-scaled. Head skort, not broader than neck; snout
rounded. Very small eye has vertical pupil. Tail short. Variable in color. Gray or
brown above, sometimes with small black spots. Underside white or yellow,
Fordonia leucobalia
rows, smooth, Ventrals 137-159 (last 1 or 2 oflen divided); anal
|; suscaucals 27-43, paired. Intemasal 1; preocular 1; postocalars 1-2.
anterior temporals 1-2; supralabials $ (3% touching eye, rarely 29 and 2 touching
eye); real usually absont, frontal about 4 times broader than supraocular
Natural History/ Behavior (after Voris)
Noctumal. Rests in mud lobster (Thalassina onomala) mounds by day. Hound
in mangroves and river movths. Lats erabs, This snake Las an unusual feeding
technique. lt strikes with closed mouth and pins erabs using chin and underside
before biting them. It also (ears legs of larger crabs before swallowing them. Bears
6-15 live young.
Distribution
India: West Benga! (Sunderbans), Nicobar Islands. Also
Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Java, New
=, Guinea and Australia
Look-alikes
None
3:
ele
Fal
ME
Ble
aS
32
ole
348
Yellow-banded Mangrove Snake Cantoria violacea 8
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON* “Maximum 20mm ern) S
E
Description E
Tong, cylindrical, smooth-scaled body. Head slightly flattered, not broader than é
neck, has 2-3 yellow or white cross-bards thet may be broken up into u series of
spots. Small eye has vertical pupil. Tail short and blunt. Black, dark gray or brown
back with thin dail yellow or white cross-benós “hat usual'y form complete rings on
tail; belly blackish-gray or white, sometimes with darker markings.
Sealation
Scales in 19 : 19 or 21 : 17 rows, smooth; ventrals 243-291, well developed;
anal divided; subcaudels 52-69, paired. Preocular 1; postoeular 1 (-1 subocular);
supralabials 5 (3% and 4% below, but rot touching eye); anterior temporal, long,
[Natural History/ Behavior
Nocturnal, Seen on mudflats in mangrove marshes al low tide. Feeds during tow
‘on small fish and shrimp sttanded in pools: possibly eats small crabs es well.
eal individuals isthe Andamans were seen with ther tails inside crab holes. IL
is unclear whether the snakes use the holes as a shelter or merely as an anchoring
aid. Thought (o be venomous in the Andamars, perhaps because of is resemblan
Lo the Andaman Krait
Distribution
India; Middle and North Andaman; probably the Nicobar
4 Islands. “Though uncommon, 17 snakes were found in two
3 hours one nighton large, undisturbed mudflat (Chippo) on
North Andaman Island. Also much of Sovtheas: Asia
Lavke-atikes
Juvenile King Cobra.
‘Andaman Krait,
EN
El
alg
212
HE
bole
AE
zig
El
HE
215
AE
Als
ElS
EE
Ble
350
MILDLY VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON* “Maximum 20mm ern) S
E
Description E
Tong, cylindrical, smooth-scaled body. Head slightly flattered, not broader than é
neck, has 2-3 yellow or white cross-bards thet may be broken up into u series of
spots. Small eye has vertical pupil. Tail short and blunt. Black, dark gray or brown
back with thin dail yellow or white cross-benós “hat usual'y form complete rings on
tail; belly blackish-gray or white, sometimes with darker markings.
Sealation
Scales in 19 : 19 or 21 : 17 rows, smooth; ventrals 243-291, well developed;
anal divided; subcaudels 52-69, paired. Preocular 1; postoeular 1 (-1 subocular);
supralabials 5 (3% and 4% below, but rot touching eye); anterior temporal, long,
[Natural History/ Behavior
Nocturnal, Seen on mudflats in mangrove marshes al low tide. Feeds during tow
‘on small fish and shrimp sttanded in pools: possibly eats small crabs es well.
eal individuals isthe Andamans were seen with ther tails inside crab holes. IL
is unclear whether the snakes use the holes as a shelter or merely as an anchoring
aid. Thought (o be venomous in the Andamars, perhaps because of is resemblan
Lo the Andaman Krait
Distribution
India; Middle and North Andaman; probably the Nicobar
4 Islands. “Though uncommon, 17 snakes were found in two
3 hours one nighton large, undisturbed mudflat (Chippo) on
North Andaman Island. Also much of Sovtheas: Asia
Lavke-atikes
Juvenile King Cobra.
‘Andaman Krait,
EN
El
alg
212
HE
bole
AE
zig
El
HE
215
AE
Als
ElS
EE
Ble
350
Banded Krait
VENOMOUS, COMMON
Maxima 250mm (9)
Deseription
‘Scales smooth, Head slightly broader th
‘sible ir fe): short tal Aas blunt, rounded tip. Body and tail triangular in cross-
section; vertebral ridge prominent. Equally soaced, wide yellow/pale browr/hie
and black bands. Uppermost scale row on back six-sided and much larger than
adjacent scales, Scales under tail are ertire and resemble belly scales (not civided
by zigzag line running along middie). Banded Kukri Snakes and severel Wolf snakes
are mistaken tor this species.
ly black (round pupil not
Scalation
Scales in 15 : 15 : 15 rows, smoot
23-39, entire. Preocular 1; postocul
Gand 4° touching
e; subcaudals
ralabials 7
Natural History/ Beh
Nocturnal, fives in termite mounds and rodent burrows close to water. Prefers open
plains county, but also found up in lower hill country. Eats mainly snakes (even
Common Kraits), snake eggs, skinks, rats, and sometimes fish, Femles ley 4-14 cu
(around April in West Bengal) and stay with them during incubation. Timid, rild-
tempered by day, much sharper at night, but more reluctant 10 bite than the Common
Krait. Venom niuch weaker than thet of the Common Krait, Bites surprisingly rare,
but there is a record of a man
ho died in 15 hours from a Banded Krait ite
Distribution
India; West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Assam upwards 10
Arunachal Pradesh. Also occurs in Gadchiroli district of
Mabarashtra, parts of Madhya Pradesh, noter Andhra
a a Pradesh, and Uïta: Pradesh. Not found in South, West
Gif or Norwest India, Also Rangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan
\ Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Chine, Comanon in pars of
\ fg tage Fond up o 1500m (4
i
Look
Yellow-banded Wolf Snake,
Banded Kukri Snake,
Bungarus fasciatus
1500. (89in); maxien
|
E
E
8
El
E
E
Banded Krait
VENOMOUS, COMMON
Maxima 250mm (9)
Deseription
‘Scales smooth, Head slightly broader th
‘sible ir fe): short tal Aas blunt, rounded tip. Body and tail triangular in cross-
section; vertebral ridge prominent. Equally soaced, wide yellow/pale browr/hie
and black bands. Uppermost scale row on back six-sided and much larger than
adjacent scales, Scales under tail are ertire and resemble belly scales (not civided
by zigzag line running along middie). Banded Kukri Snakes and severel Wolf snakes
are mistaken tor this species.
ly black (round pupil not
Scalation
Scales in 15 : 15 : 15 rows, smoot
23-39, entire. Preocular 1; postocul
Gand 4° touching
e; subcaudals
ralabials 7
Natural History/ Beh
Nocturnal, fives in termite mounds and rodent burrows close to water. Prefers open
plains county, but also found up in lower hill country. Eats mainly snakes (even
Common Kraits), snake eggs, skinks, rats, and sometimes fish, Femles ley 4-14 cu
(around April in West Bengal) and stay with them during incubation. Timid, rild-
tempered by day, much sharper at night, but more reluctant 10 bite than the Common
Krait. Venom niuch weaker than thet of the Common Krait, Bites surprisingly rare,
but there is a record of a man
ho died in 15 hours from a Banded Krait ite
Distribution
India; West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Assam upwards 10
Arunachal Pradesh. Also occurs in Gadchiroli district of
Mabarashtra, parts of Madhya Pradesh, noter Andhra
a a Pradesh, and Uïta: Pradesh. Not found in South, West
Gif or Norwest India, Also Rangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan
\ Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Chine, Comanon in pars of
\ fg tage Fond up o 1500m (4
i
Look
Yellow-banded Wolf Snake,
Banded Kukri Snake,
Bungarus fasciatus
1500. (89in); maxien
|
E
E
8
El
E
E
Banded Krait
Common Krait Bungarus caeruleus
VENOMOUS, COMMON 7 Athatching 250-280mn: (10-11in)
Adults 100020 29in),
Maximum 1750 (in)
Deseription
Smooth-sealed, Head slightly broader thar neck: eye
visible in li. Glossy black, pale faded bluish-gray or dark brownist-black above
(often with blue iridescenee) with narrow (sometimes paired) white cross-.ines
that continue to pointed tip of stort til, These lines usually absent on forebocy or
they are replaced by waite vertebral spots. Uppermost scale row on heck six-sided,
broader thas: long, and much lerger than adjacent scales. Underside glossy white or
yellowish, Seales under tail entire and resemble telly scales (not divided by zigzag
o raming along middle), Youny often marked throughout. Tongue pinkish.
cirely black, round pupil nor
Scalation
Scules in 15 : 15 : 15 rows, smooth. Ventrals 200-217 (224); anal undivided
subcaudals 33-52, entire, Preocular 1; postoculars 2; loreal absent; temporals 112:
supralabials 7 (“and 4° touching eye)
Natural History? Rehavior
Nocturnal; alert and active arn
rodect burrows, piles of bi
in Gars and gard
At. By day has been found resting in termite mounds,
and rubble, and even in rolled up cazpers. Often found
Fats snakes (oven her stats), sorrctimes relents,
izards, ard frogs. Male combat observed in Jantary in Chennai. Lays 8-12 eggs in
March May which hatch about 60 days Inter, The female stays with eggs during
incubation, Produces the most potent venom of ell our land snakes. One of the Big
Four medically importent snakes of India (for which antivenom serura is available),
Bites usvelly happen et night but ace xo: painful like a cobra or viper bite. There are
many records of people asleep on the ground being bitten by this sake. A suspected
kerait bite must be treated a: hospital without any delay.
Distribution
a Most of mainiand India up to 1200m (55800). uncommon
where the Bended Krait oceurs. Probably absent in the
î Nepal, Banglades!
Look-alikes
Woll snakes,
Bridal snakes,
Other kraits.
354
Common Krait
Bungarus caeruleus
8
‘VENOMOUS, COMMON
VENOMOUS, COMMON 7 Athatching 250-280mn: (10-11in)
Adults 100020 29in),
Maximum 1750 (in)
Deseription
Smooth-sealed, Head slightly broader thar neck: eye
visible in li. Glossy black, pale faded bluish-gray or dark brownist-black above
(often with blue iridescenee) with narrow (sometimes paired) white cross-.ines
that continue to pointed tip of stort til, These lines usually absent on forebocy or
they are replaced by waite vertebral spots. Uppermost scale row on heck six-sided,
broader thas: long, and much lerger than adjacent scales. Underside glossy white or
yellowish, Seales under tail entire and resemble telly scales (not divided by zigzag
o raming along middle), Youny often marked throughout. Tongue pinkish.
cirely black, round pupil nor
Scalation
Scules in 15 : 15 : 15 rows, smooth. Ventrals 200-217 (224); anal undivided
subcaudals 33-52, entire, Preocular 1; postoculars 2; loreal absent; temporals 112:
supralabials 7 (“and 4° touching eye)
Natural History? Rehavior
Nocturnal; alert and active arn
rodect burrows, piles of bi
in Gars and gard
At. By day has been found resting in termite mounds,
and rubble, and even in rolled up cazpers. Often found
Fats snakes (oven her stats), sorrctimes relents,
izards, ard frogs. Male combat observed in Jantary in Chennai. Lays 8-12 eggs in
March May which hatch about 60 days Inter, The female stays with eggs during
incubation, Produces the most potent venom of ell our land snakes. One of the Big
Four medically importent snakes of India (for which antivenom serura is available),
Bites usvelly happen et night but ace xo: painful like a cobra or viper bite. There are
many records of people asleep on the ground being bitten by this sake. A suspected
kerait bite must be treated a: hospital without any delay.
Distribution
a Most of mainiand India up to 1200m (55800). uncommon
where the Bended Krait oceurs. Probably absent in the
î Nepal, Banglades!
Look-alikes
Woll snakes,
Bridal snakes,
Other kraits.
354
Common Krait
Bungarus caeruleus
8
‘VENOMOUS, COMMON
a —_ €tMI". A
Andaman Krait
VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Bungarus andamanensis
Mania FOOD Pin)
Description
Smoozh-scaled, Heud slightly broader than neck; eye entirely black (round pupil not
visible in 1). Scales along midnack six-sided, broader than long and much larger
han other scales. Glossy black or brownish ahove, oflen with blue iridescence;
39-47 narrow while or yellowist=white equidistant cross-lines (distine. (hroughout
body) and 9-13 cross-lines on short tail, No vertebral spots. Markings absent or
indistinct ia juveniles. Underside glossy yellowish-white. Scales under tail mottled
with grayish-bleck and entire (not civided by zigzag lire running along middle)
Sealation
Scales in 15; 15 15 rows, smooth. Ventrals 192-200; anal 1; subvaudals 40-47.
entire. Preozular 1; posoculars 2; loreal absent; temporals 12; supralabils 7
Gand 4° touching eye)
Natural History! Behavior
Nocturna., secretive. Active during the monsoon. Seen on roads, near water-filled
ditches, in fresluvater streams, in pacdy ficlds and ox. low bushes. Eats snakes.
Lays eges. Nodhing is known about its venom but kraits de “rave the most toxic
venoms ef all Asian land snakes. We Lave found the Andaman Krait to be sby and
non-aggressive, No known fatalities reported.
Distribution
Endennc to the Andaman Islands. The oaly krait found on
the Islands
Look-alikes
Yellow-banded Mangrove Snake,
Andaman Keelbue' (some forms).
358
‘Andaman Krait
3
3
E
3
7
a
5
E
E
Andaman Krait
VENOMOUS, UNCOMMON
Bungarus andamanensis
Mania FOOD Pin)
Description
Smoozh-scaled, Heud slightly broader than neck; eye entirely black (round pupil not
visible in 1). Scales along midnack six-sided, broader than long and much larger
han other scales. Glossy black or brownish ahove, oflen with blue iridescence;
39-47 narrow while or yellowist=white equidistant cross-lines (distine. (hroughout
body) and 9-13 cross-lines on short tail, No vertebral spots. Markings absent or
indistinct ia juveniles. Underside glossy yellowish-white. Scales under tail mottled
with grayish-bleck and entire (not civided by zigzag lire running along middle)
Sealation
Scales in 15; 15 15 rows, smooth. Ventrals 192-200; anal 1; subvaudals 40-47.
entire. Preozular 1; posoculars 2; loreal absent; temporals 12; supralabils 7
Gand 4° touching eye)
Natural History! Behavior
Nocturna., secretive. Active during the monsoon. Seen on roads, near water-filled
ditches, in fresluvater streams, in pacdy ficlds and ox. low bushes. Eats snakes.
Lays eges. Nodhing is known about its venom but kraits de “rave the most toxic
venoms ef all Asian land snakes. We Lave found the Andaman Krait to be sby and
non-aggressive, No known fatalities reported.
Distribution
Endennc to the Andaman Islands. The oaly krait found on
the Islands
Look-alikes
Yellow-banded Mangrove Snake,
Andaman Keelbue' (some forms).
358
‘Andaman Krait
3
3
E
3
7
a
5
E
E
Black Krait Bungarus niger
VENOMOUS, RARE Macca 195mm 5-1)
Description
‘Smooth-sealed, Head sligatly brozder than neck; eye entirely black (round pupil not
visible in life); tal tip pointed. Uniform glossy, iridescent black or dark chocolate
brown above, While interscale skin on back visible in some stakes, Uppermost scale
row on back six-sided and much larger than adjacent scales. Lower portion of upper
lip scales and lower lip sceles white. Uaderside off white; uspe or lower, and outer
edges of most scales shaded with brown. Scales under tail undivided anc resemble
belly scales (not divided by zigzag line rurning along middle). Tongue red.
Scalation
Seales in 15: 18 : 15 rows, smóoih. Ventrals 216-231; anal entire: subcaudals
47-57, entre. Preocular 1; postoculars 2; loreal absent; temporals 142 (rarely 1+1);
supralabials 7 (“and 4” touching eve).
Natural Iiscory/ Behavior
Poorly known, Nocturnal. Eats saakes; in captiv
Lays eggs. Nothing is known about the venor
other krats
ity, feeds voraciously on mammals,
but it is likely to be very toxic as in
Distributi
India: Sikkim, West Bengal (Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri
districts), Assam (Dibrugarh, Margherita, Sadiya, Siosagar,
x Jaipur and Cackar district, Meghalaya (Garo Hills),
* Arunachal Predesh (Papuca Pare and Changlang districts).
3 Also Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh. Found up wo 1450
\ / (47571,
EG
Lesser Black Krait (not featured),
Orienta: Slender Snake.
AT Ne Nun
VENOMON
Black Krait
VENOMOUS, RARE Macca 195mm 5-1)
Description
‘Smooth-sealed, Head sligatly brozder than neck; eye entirely black (round pupil not
visible in life); tal tip pointed. Uniform glossy, iridescent black or dark chocolate
brown above, While interscale skin on back visible in some stakes, Uppermost scale
row on back six-sided and much larger than adjacent scales. Lower portion of upper
lip scales and lower lip sceles white. Uaderside off white; uspe or lower, and outer
edges of most scales shaded with brown. Scales under tail undivided anc resemble
belly scales (not divided by zigzag line rurning along middle). Tongue red.
Scalation
Seales in 15: 18 : 15 rows, smóoih. Ventrals 216-231; anal entire: subcaudals
47-57, entre. Preocular 1; postoculars 2; loreal absent; temporals 142 (rarely 1+1);
supralabials 7 (“and 4” touching eve).
Natural Iiscory/ Behavior
Poorly known, Nocturnal. Eats saakes; in captiv
Lays eggs. Nothing is known about the venor
other krats
ity, feeds voraciously on mammals,
but it is likely to be very toxic as in
Distributi
India: Sikkim, West Bengal (Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri
districts), Assam (Dibrugarh, Margherita, Sadiya, Siosagar,
x Jaipur and Cackar district, Meghalaya (Garo Hills),
* Arunachal Predesh (Papuca Pare and Changlang districts).
3 Also Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh. Found up wo 1450
\ / (47571,
EG
Lesser Black Krait (not featured),
Orienta: Slender Snake.
AT Ne Nun
VENOMON
Black Krait
Walls Sind Krait Bungarus sindanus walli
VENOMOUS, RARE Maximum 151 Smm (50m)
Description
‘Smooth-scaled. Head slightly broader than neck; eye entirely black, round pupil
rot visibe in life. Glossy black, grayish- or brownish-black back (often with blue
iridescence) with thin, unpaired, white cross-lines on body and til. On forebody
cross-lines broken into a chain of white dots. Uppermost scale row on back six
sided, broader than long, and much larger than adjacent scales. Underside white or
yellowish. Scales under tail undivided and resemble belly seales (not divided by
Zigzag line running along middle). Three subspecies recognized, two of which are
found in India: (i) Wall’s Sid Krait and (i) the Sind Krait. They are differentiated on
the bases of *heir distribution and differences in the number of belly sees.
Scalation
Bungarus sindamus wall, Seales in 17 or 19 : 17 (very rarely 19) : 17 rows.
Ventrals 196-208; subcaudals $0-5S. Bungarus sindanus sindamus. Seales in 17
rows at midbody. Ventrals 220-237; subeaudals 45-53. Cheracters common to both
subspecies: scales smooth, preocular 1; postocalars 2; loreal absent, temporals 142;
supralabials 7 (34 and 4* rouching eye); anal and subcaudals entire
Natural History Behavior
Targely unknown as Walls Siné Krait is nearly always confused with the Common
Krait (Umgarus caeruleus). Nocturaal. One was found in a house amongst television
and video cables. Eats snakes in captivity; like the Common Krait, may also feed on.
rodents, lizards, and frogs. Lays eggs. The venom of Wall’s Sind Krai is likely to
be as toxic as Common Krait venom, making it among the most venomous snakes
in India,
Endemic to India. Wall's Sind Krait has a patchy distribution
in the Gangetic Plain, Central and Western Indie ner
2, Pradesh, (Faizabad), Maharashtra (Pune, Sholapur), Bitar
1° (Gaya, Purnia) and Lengal (Midnapore). Distribution still
poorly understood. (The Sind Krait is restricted to Rajasthan
and probably pars ol Gujarat. Also Pakistan).
Look-alikes
Other kraits,
Wolf snakes.
Bridel Snake,
362
Bungarus sindanus walli
El
E
g
E
2
E
2
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Wall’s Sind Krait
VENOMOUS, RARE Maximum 151 Smm (50m)
Description
‘Smooth-scaled. Head slightly broader than neck; eye entirely black, round pupil
rot visibe in life. Glossy black, grayish- or brownish-black back (often with blue
iridescence) with thin, unpaired, white cross-lines on body and til. On forebody
cross-lines broken into a chain of white dots. Uppermost scale row on back six
sided, broader than long, and much larger than adjacent scales. Underside white or
yellowish. Scales under tail undivided and resemble belly seales (not divided by
Zigzag line running along middle). Three subspecies recognized, two of which are
found in India: (i) Wall’s Sid Krait and (i) the Sind Krait. They are differentiated on
the bases of *heir distribution and differences in the number of belly sees.
Scalation
Bungarus sindamus wall, Seales in 17 or 19 : 17 (very rarely 19) : 17 rows.
Ventrals 196-208; subcaudals $0-5S. Bungarus sindanus sindamus. Seales in 17
rows at midbody. Ventrals 220-237; subeaudals 45-53. Cheracters common to both
subspecies: scales smooth, preocular 1; postocalars 2; loreal absent, temporals 142;
supralabials 7 (34 and 4* rouching eye); anal and subcaudals entire
Natural History Behavior
Targely unknown as Walls Siné Krait is nearly always confused with the Common
Krait (Umgarus caeruleus). Nocturaal. One was found in a house amongst television
and video cables. Eats snakes in captivity; like the Common Krait, may also feed on.
rodents, lizards, and frogs. Lays eggs. The venom of Wall’s Sind Krai is likely to
be as toxic as Common Krait venom, making it among the most venomous snakes
in India,
Endemic to India. Wall's Sind Krait has a patchy distribution
in the Gangetic Plain, Central and Western Indie ner
2, Pradesh, (Faizabad), Maharashtra (Pune, Sholapur), Bitar
1° (Gaya, Purnia) and Lengal (Midnapore). Distribution still
poorly understood. (The Sind Krait is restricted to Rajasthan
and probably pars ol Gujarat. Also Pakistan).
Look-alikes
Other kraits,
Wolf snakes.
Bridel Snake,
362
Bungarus sindanus walli
El
E
g
E
2
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2
a
Wall’s Sind Krait
Slender Coral Snake Calliophis metamurus
VENOMOUS RARE
Description
Body extremely slendcr. cylindrical. Scules smooth. Head scarcely broader than
neck, Small eye entirely black. Short tail [ead blunt, black with whitish or yellowish
spots on nape. Back light brown, cach scale speckled with brown: undersice coral
red tail brown with to black rings; underside of tail bluish-gray. Often confused.
with Duméril’s Black-head ke (which has a pale yellow underside and a mu
longer, gradually tapering tail)
Masia 350
Scalation
Scales in 13:13 : 13 rows, smooth. India: ventrals 249-277; subcea
females 24-27. Sri Lanka: ventrals 229-257; subcaudals 27-37. Common characters:
de preocalar touches nasal, 2 postoculars; temporals 1-1, supralabials 6
(3% and 4% touching eye, 5° and 6* touching temporal): anal scale divided:
subeaudals paired.
‘Natural History! Behavior
Poorly known. Found under lea
Di
itter in the wild; burrows under sand in captivity
unknown. Lays 2 10 6 eggs. When disturbed will raise and coil tail (0 draw
Not clearly kaown. Probably most of Peninsular India
(except the extreme Northwest). Definite records from
„>, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Jamil Nacu and West
Bengal, Also Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Look-alikes
Black-hended Srakes
2
El
E
El
3
El
Es
E
E
El
B
12
364 3
VENOMOUS RARE
Description
Body extremely slendcr. cylindrical. Scules smooth. Head scarcely broader than
neck, Small eye entirely black. Short tail [ead blunt, black with whitish or yellowish
spots on nape. Back light brown, cach scale speckled with brown: undersice coral
red tail brown with to black rings; underside of tail bluish-gray. Often confused.
with Duméril’s Black-head ke (which has a pale yellow underside and a mu
longer, gradually tapering tail)
Masia 350
Scalation
Scales in 13:13 : 13 rows, smooth. India: ventrals 249-277; subcea
females 24-27. Sri Lanka: ventrals 229-257; subcaudals 27-37. Common characters:
de preocalar touches nasal, 2 postoculars; temporals 1-1, supralabials 6
(3% and 4% touching eye, 5° and 6* touching temporal): anal scale divided:
subeaudals paired.
‘Natural History! Behavior
Poorly known. Found under lea
Di
itter in the wild; burrows under sand in captivity
unknown. Lays 2 10 6 eggs. When disturbed will raise and coil tail (0 draw
Not clearly kaown. Probably most of Peninsular India
(except the extreme Northwest). Definite records from
„>, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Jamil Nacu and West
Bengal, Also Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Look-alikes
Black-hended Srakes
2
El
E
El
3
El
Es
E
E
El
B
12
364 3
SU SARAVANAKUMAR
Striped Coral Snake
VENOMOUS, RARE
Description
Body extremely long, slender, cylindrical, Scales smooth. llead scarcely broader
than neck. Small eye entirely black. Short tal. Variable in color, bu: has reasonably
consistent pattern, Pale brick-red, light to dark purplish-beown or black above, with
three or five black stripes on body and three on tail. Rody stripes sometimes broken
to a series of Cashes, and/or have broken white margins. Tail stripes unbroken.
Top of head black, with symmetrical pale brownish-white marks. Broad black har
‘on nape fiom which upper three stripes originatc. Lip scales pale yellowish-pink;
those under eye black. Black On head continues as a streak from behind eye to beck.
‘of mouth. Belly scales coral red (rarely edged behind with black or brown), white
or pale rose-pink in juveniles. Underside of til red and white. Stripes extremely
faint or absent in some black color forms (variety Kiandaliensis ‘om Khandala,
Mañarashra): in other black forms, interrupted stripes outlined with white (Amboli,
Maharashtra.
Maximum LG
Calliophis
Y
Sealation
les in 13 : 13: 13 rows, smooth, Ventrals 234-251; anal scale divided; subeaudals
males 35-44, females 32-36, paired. Single preocular touches nasal; post
temporals 1 (very long) or 142; supralabials 7 (3% and 48 touching eye, 5% to 7%
touching temporal
Natural History/ Behavior
'eeds on snakes, usually shieldtails, narrow-headed saakes and worm snakes. Lays
eggs. When disturbed, will ty to wriggle away or curl tail and will display brightly
colored underside.
Distribution
Endemic to Indio. The Western Ghats: recorded from the
hills of Kerala anc ‘ail Nadu (Munnar, the Nilgiris, the
Anamalais, Travancore and Shevaroy Hills), Matarashtra
(Amboli, Panchgani, Sinhagad, Khandala, Bhimashankar)
and Gujarat (near Saputara village, Dang district). A hill
species, found up 10 2000m (65601). There is a doubtful
record from Bangladesh.
>
Ps
El
Look-alikes
Dark forms of other corel snakes
Shieldtais.
Kakri snakes
7
ADULT Vipers Tad Nat. oie
ES
Pe
El
3
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9
3
4
A
Venomous,
366
Striped Coral Snake
VENOMOUS, RARE
Description
Body extremely long, slender, cylindrical, Scales smooth. llead scarcely broader
than neck. Small eye entirely black. Short tal. Variable in color, bu: has reasonably
consistent pattern, Pale brick-red, light to dark purplish-beown or black above, with
three or five black stripes on body and three on tail. Rody stripes sometimes broken
to a series of Cashes, and/or have broken white margins. Tail stripes unbroken.
Top of head black, with symmetrical pale brownish-white marks. Broad black har
‘on nape fiom which upper three stripes originatc. Lip scales pale yellowish-pink;
those under eye black. Black On head continues as a streak from behind eye to beck.
‘of mouth. Belly scales coral red (rarely edged behind with black or brown), white
or pale rose-pink in juveniles. Underside of til red and white. Stripes extremely
faint or absent in some black color forms (variety Kiandaliensis ‘om Khandala,
Mañarashra): in other black forms, interrupted stripes outlined with white (Amboli,
Maharashtra.
Maximum LG
Calliophis
Y
Sealation
les in 13 : 13: 13 rows, smooth, Ventrals 234-251; anal scale divided; subeaudals
males 35-44, females 32-36, paired. Single preocular touches nasal; post
temporals 1 (very long) or 142; supralabials 7 (3% and 48 touching eye, 5% to 7%
touching temporal
Natural History/ Behavior
'eeds on snakes, usually shieldtails, narrow-headed saakes and worm snakes. Lays
eggs. When disturbed, will ty to wriggle away or curl tail and will display brightly
colored underside.
Distribution
Endemic to Indio. The Western Ghats: recorded from the
hills of Kerala anc ‘ail Nadu (Munnar, the Nilgiris, the
Anamalais, Travancore and Shevaroy Hills), Matarashtra
(Amboli, Panchgani, Sinhagad, Khandala, Bhimashankar)
and Gujarat (near Saputara village, Dang district). A hill
species, found up 10 2000m (65601). There is a doubtful
record from Bangladesh.
>
Ps
El
Look-alikes
Dark forms of other corel snakes
Shieldtais.
Kakri snakes
7
ADULT Vipers Tad Nat. oie
ES
Pe
El
3
ä
9
3
4
A
Venomous,
366
Macclelland's Coral Snake _
VENOMOUS, RARE
ax 812 mm
Description
Body slemder, cylindre. Seales smooth. Head very slightly or not reader chan
neck. Small eye almos: entirely black, has round pupil. Shor: il with sharply
jnted ip. Glossy reddish-brown with narrow, biack exoss-lines on back, Cross
lines occasionally bordered with yellow or pale row, These are sometimes small
(peiredisingle) black spots between cross-lines. Head glossy black, wi ,
usually angular, enamel-white or pele yellow eross-band behind eyes. Tip of suout
cle enamel white. Underside pele yellow wilh black cross-bands or squarish
spots. A subspecies, Ihe Sinlestiped Macclelland’s Coral Saake (Sinomierurus
macclelandi unévirganus) hs w black (sometimes broken) sire along the back aad
‘eeasioually, additional cros-lines on sides of body
Scalation
Sceles in 23 : 13 : 13 rows. smooth. Ventrals: miles 182-212, females 208-244; anal
divided: subeaudals: males 28-36, females 25-33, paired, or some uapaired. Single
Preocular 1, toxchex nasal; postoculers 2; temporals 1-1, supralabials 7 (3% and 4
touching eye: $* and 6% touching anterior temporal),
Natural History’ Beliavior
Crepuscular or noctumal and sccretive, Usually found i
Snakes aad small lizards, Lays 6-14 eggs during the monsoon, Usually inoffensive
and sluggish by day. An adult seen during early evening (Arunachal Pradesh) was
quick, alert, and “krai-like” in its movements, 1? disturbed, may flatten body, lift
and eu tail, Nothing is known shout ils venom except that it parelyzes small prey.
In Thailand severe neurotoxic symptoms have hecn reported from corel snake bite.
“{eil-curling” is not a reliable means of telling whether the snake is a core] snake
or not, as several non venomous kukri snakes also exaibit tais behavior (possibly
mimicking venomous coral snake),
hilly, forested arcas. Eats
Distribution
Maceleiland’s Coral Snake: norcheast India from Darjeeling
to Arcnachal Pradesh, Also Bangladesh, Chine, Myanmar,
4. Viciram, Laos, and Thailand. Singie-siriped Macdlelland’s
Half" Coral Snake: castora Himalayas from Sikkim westwards
Also Nepal. Variety migrivenier: a single recore from
Himachal Prades (Kasauli). Found up to about 10400:
f (34108)
y = Loolcalikes
Kukri snakes,
zw
ADULT Normen, ng sc, aa rain
Macclelland’s Coral Snake
VENOMOUS, RARE
ax 812 mm
Description
Body slemder, cylindre. Seales smooth. Head very slightly or not reader chan
neck. Small eye almos: entirely black, has round pupil. Shor: il with sharply
jnted ip. Glossy reddish-brown with narrow, biack exoss-lines on back, Cross
lines occasionally bordered with yellow or pale row, These are sometimes small
(peiredisingle) black spots between cross-lines. Head glossy black, wi ,
usually angular, enamel-white or pele yellow eross-band behind eyes. Tip of suout
cle enamel white. Underside pele yellow wilh black cross-bands or squarish
spots. A subspecies, Ihe Sinlestiped Macclelland’s Coral Saake (Sinomierurus
macclelandi unévirganus) hs w black (sometimes broken) sire along the back aad
‘eeasioually, additional cros-lines on sides of body
Scalation
Sceles in 23 : 13 : 13 rows. smooth. Ventrals: miles 182-212, females 208-244; anal
divided: subeaudals: males 28-36, females 25-33, paired, or some uapaired. Single
Preocular 1, toxchex nasal; postoculers 2; temporals 1-1, supralabials 7 (3% and 4
touching eye: $* and 6% touching anterior temporal),
Natural History’ Beliavior
Crepuscular or noctumal and sccretive, Usually found i
Snakes aad small lizards, Lays 6-14 eggs during the monsoon, Usually inoffensive
and sluggish by day. An adult seen during early evening (Arunachal Pradesh) was
quick, alert, and “krai-like” in its movements, 1? disturbed, may flatten body, lift
and eu tail, Nothing is known shout ils venom except that it parelyzes small prey.
In Thailand severe neurotoxic symptoms have hecn reported from corel snake bite.
“{eil-curling” is not a reliable means of telling whether the snake is a core] snake
or not, as several non venomous kukri snakes also exaibit tais behavior (possibly
mimicking venomous coral snake),
hilly, forested arcas. Eats
Distribution
Maceleiland’s Coral Snake: norcheast India from Darjeeling
to Arcnachal Pradesh, Also Bangladesh, Chine, Myanmar,
4. Viciram, Laos, and Thailand. Singie-siriped Macdlelland’s
Half" Coral Snake: castora Himalayas from Sikkim westwards
Also Nepal. Variety migrivenier: a single recore from
Himachal Prades (Kasauli). Found up to about 10400:
f (34108)
y = Loolcalikes
Kukri snakes,
zw
ADULT Normen, ng sc, aa rain
Macclelland’s Coral Snake
Spectacled Cobra Naja naja
VENOMOUS, COMMON At ching 250 200 (10 [ie
‘Adults 100000 (2
Mosimam 2200mm (Si
Description
Scales smooth, glossy. Head broud, Color, putters, and hood merk variable;
hood mark sometimes absent. Shades of brown, yellow, gray or black, ofter
with a speckled, sometimes banded pattern. The famous “spectacled” marking
(er variations) on hood usually makes identification eusy. However dark or black
d Cobras are frequently mistaken for the Central Asian Cobra
Scalation (after Wüste:)
Typically (but not always) a sin
than broad. Scales smooth. Males. Scales in 23-37 rows (at 10th ventral): 19.
(at 20% of ventrals): 21-25 (at 40% of ventrals): 19-23 (at 60% of ventrals): 13-18
(al 80% of vertrals): 15-18 (at vent). Ventrals 171-197; subcaudals 53-67, paired
Females, Scales in 23-37 rows (at 10th ventral): 19-25 (at 20% of ventrals): 20-28
(at 40% of veatrals): 17-24 (at 60% of ventrals): 15-17 (at 80% of ventrals): 13-18
(at vent), Ventrals 178-196; subcaudals 50-65, paiced. Specimens in the Northwest
have lower dossal scale row counts than southern and eastern populations,
ich side. Frontal clearly lon
Natural History/ Behavior
Active hy day and night. One of India’s commonest snakes. A good swimmer. Seen
in fields, near streams, rock piles, trees, granaries and grain shops. Otten lives in
rat holes or termite mounds. Feeds on rodents, toads, frogs, birds and snakes. Lays
12-30 eyes hetween March-Tuly. Females stay with eyes tll hey hatch in about
60 days. Vast end alert. Generally sy. Ifalarmed, may raise forebody (some to more
than half their body length) and spread hood. If further disturbed, will hiss and
forcefully. One of India's Big Four medieally important snakes. Thou
for many bites, only e small percentage are fatal
Distribution
‘Thronghour mainland India {excluding the Northeast. Also
$ Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, Found
; 72, fiom sea level up to 20001 (65600),
Look-alikes
Indian Rat Snake.
Banded Racer.
Indian Snooth Stake.
Spectacled Cobra
YENOMOLS, COMMON
VENOMOUS, COMMON At ching 250 200 (10 [ie
‘Adults 100000 (2
Mosimam 2200mm (Si
Description
Scales smooth, glossy. Head broud, Color, putters, and hood merk variable;
hood mark sometimes absent. Shades of brown, yellow, gray or black, ofter
with a speckled, sometimes banded pattern. The famous “spectacled” marking
(er variations) on hood usually makes identification eusy. However dark or black
d Cobras are frequently mistaken for the Central Asian Cobra
Scalation (after Wüste:)
Typically (but not always) a sin
than broad. Scales smooth. Males. Scales in 23-37 rows (at 10th ventral): 19.
(at 20% of ventrals): 21-25 (at 40% of ventrals): 19-23 (at 60% of ventrals): 13-18
(al 80% of vertrals): 15-18 (at vent). Ventrals 171-197; subcaudals 53-67, paired
Females, Scales in 23-37 rows (at 10th ventral): 19-25 (at 20% of ventrals): 20-28
(at 40% of veatrals): 17-24 (at 60% of ventrals): 15-17 (at 80% of ventrals): 13-18
(at vent), Ventrals 178-196; subcaudals 50-65, paiced. Specimens in the Northwest
have lower dossal scale row counts than southern and eastern populations,
ich side. Frontal clearly lon
Natural History/ Behavior
Active hy day and night. One of India’s commonest snakes. A good swimmer. Seen
in fields, near streams, rock piles, trees, granaries and grain shops. Otten lives in
rat holes or termite mounds. Feeds on rodents, toads, frogs, birds and snakes. Lays
12-30 eyes hetween March-Tuly. Females stay with eyes tll hey hatch in about
60 days. Vast end alert. Generally sy. Ifalarmed, may raise forebody (some to more
than half their body length) and spread hood. If further disturbed, will hiss and
forcefully. One of India's Big Four medieally important snakes. Thou
for many bites, only e small percentage are fatal
Distribution
‘Thronghour mainland India {excluding the Northeast. Also
$ Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, Found
; 72, fiom sea level up to 20001 (65600),
Look-alikes
Indian Rat Snake.
Banded Racer.
Indian Snooth Stake.
Spectacled Cobra
YENOMOLS, COMMON
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