Distributed range & status
These types of snakes are known as early arrivals & endemic to Sri Lanka, found in the eastern central mountains. It is an early arrival, endemic species. Namunukula, Kanawarella, Pindarawatta elevations of around 1520m & Spring Valley.
Scales
rostral |
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frontal |
2 & 3 get connected to supar labials. |
supraoculars |
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parietals |
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prefrontals |
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nasals |
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internasals |
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loreals |
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preoculars |
Forms a part of anterior border of orbit of its eye. |
postoculars |
2 scales present. Lower scale is longer than the upper scale. both contact the parietal |
temporals |
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Supralabials |
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mental |
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infralabials |
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sublinguals |
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coastals |
17 |
ventrals |
117-122 |
anal |
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subcaudals |
13-26 (back scales are divided) |
Female snakes have bigger body size & shorter tails. Scales are smooth.17 mid body scale rows moderately over lapped
Characteristics
These snakes are small having a small head indistinct from neck, pointed snout, cylindrical body with pointed tail.
Colour
Dorsal body of the snake is dark brown colour or light beige. Dark Pigments present on the head. Ventral body is blackish brown, mottled lighter.
Venom
These snakes are non poisonous.
Dentition
Data not found.
Behavior
They are diurnal & loose soil & humus burrowing snakes, found mulch piles in irrigated agricultural lands within tea estates. It’s Believed that this snake acts as same as Boie’s Rough-side.
Breeding
They are oviparous snakes. They lay 2-4 eggs.
Growth
Measure of the total length is 200-220mm. Female has a relatively larger body with a shorter tail.
Food
Probably the diet may consist of same food as Boie’s Rough-side.
Identification
Aspidura deraniyagalae can be differentiated from other Aspidura spp by differences of scales. Sub caudal scales of the posterior end of the tail are divided.
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