Distributed range & status
These types of snakes are known as early arrivals & endemic to Sri Lanka found in low country wet zone Sinharaja, Kanneliya, Mathugama, Galle, Matara, Horana, Ingiriya, Ambuluwawa, Balangoda, Kalutaa district, Annasigala, Ratnapura, Kandilpana, Yapitikanda, Rosagalla, Deniyaya, Kosgama, at elevations of 100-500m. These snakes were also found from Yala.
Scales
rostral |
|
frontal |
Pre frontal is smaller than lateral scales |
supraoculars |
|
parietals |
|
prefrontals |
|
nasals |
divided |
internasals |
1 |
loreals |
absent |
preoculars |
1 & prefrontal connects with the eye anterior |
postoculars |
2 scale contacts with parietal. Upper scale is longer than the lower scale. Upper scale connect with the lateral scale |
temporals |
1+2 |
Supralabials |
6 (4 connected to the eye) |
mental |
|
infralabials |
|
sublinguals |
|
coastals |
Region of anal scale sometimes these bare narrow keels |
ventrals |
103-122 |
anal |
undivided |
subcaudals |
18-29 undivided |
Smooth 17 mid body scale rows are present. There moderately over lapped.
Characteristics
This snake is known as the smallest & the most slender member of the Rough-side snakes. Also have a small head indistinct from neck, pointed snout, cylindrical body with a short & pointed tail.
Colour
Dorsal body of the snake is brown, mottled with dark brown colour. Forehead is dark & a pale neck band is present. Ventral side of the body is light brown. Lateral rows & vertebral contains dark spots. Yellow colour spot is present at the back of the eye. Some times spots of yellow colour may be present on the snout.
Venom
These snakes are non poisonous.
Dentition
Data not found.
Behavior
They are diurnal & loose soil burrowing snakes, found under rock piles, dry leaves, & logs. Some times they can be found in groups. Do not bite most of the time but if bitten it may cause mild local reaction, slight burning sensation & swelling.
Breeding
They are oviparous snakes. They lay clutches of 2-6 eggs.
Growth
Adult may grow to 100-150mm. Female has a relatively larger body with a shorter tail.
Food
Diet comprises earth worms.
Identification
Aspidura Guentheri can be differentiated from other Aspidura spp by differences of scales. Prefrontal does connect with the eye. Supra ocular connect with lateral scale & ventral scale number 103-122.
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