Distributed range & status
These types of snakes are known as early arrivals & endemic to Sri Lanka, but also once found in Maldives island. Eskdale, Harasbedda, Labukalle, Monaragala, Langton estate of Thalawakale, Diyagama estate, Nanu oya, Sita Eliya, Maha Eliya, Nuwara Eliya, Horton plains, Namunukula, Kandy, Ramboda, Radella, Diyatalwa, Pattipola, Hakgala, Gammaduwa, Medamaha Nuwara, Pundaluoya, Ambewela, Diyatalawa, at elevations of 750-2100m.
Scales
rostral |
|
frontal |
Pre frontal is smaller than lateral scales |
supraoculars |
|
parietals |
|
prefrontals |
|
nasals |
divided |
internasals |
1 |
loreals |
absent |
preoculars |
1 scale & pre frontal connects to eye anterior. |
postoculars |
2 contact with parietal. Lower scale is longer than the upper scale. Both scales connect with the lateral scale |
temporals |
1+2 |
Supralabials |
6 (4 connect to eye) |
mental |
|
infralabials |
|
sublinguals |
|
coastals |
Region of anal scale sometimes these bare keels. Larger in males. |
ventrals |
128-151 |
anal |
undivided |
subcaudals |
11-26 undivided |
15 mid body scale rows moderately over lapped scale.
Characteristics
They’re commonly encountered snakes. These snakes have a small head indistinct from neck, pointed snout, cylindrical body with a short & pointed tail.
Colour
Variable coloration is present. Dorsal colour range is black -brown to light reddish-brown colorations. Lateral stripes & 2-3 dark dorsal spots are present. Ventral body varies from heavily blotched with black to light yellow with red tint & just blotched on midline.
Venom
These snakes are non poisonous.
Dentition
Data not found.
Behavior
They are diurnal & loose soil burrowing snakes, found under rock piles, dry leaves, piles of humus & rotten logs within agricultural land. 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 2-12 eggs.
Growth
Female has a relatively larger body with a shorter tail.
Food
Diet consists of earth worms.
Identification
Aspidura trachyprocta can be differentiated from other Aspidura spp by differences of scales. 15 mid body scale are present.
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