Distributed range & status
It is a relict species found in Sri Lanka. These snakes are known to be seen in the wet and the intermediate zone auch as Kandy, Matale, Weerakatiya, Matara, Trinkomalee, Thimbulkatiya, Knuckles, Buttala, BAdulla, Haldumulla, Namunukula, Hambegamuwa and Kirinda.
Scales
rostral |
1 Bluntly keeled |
frontal |
Hexagonal scale is longer than the subcaudals and rostral |
supraoculars |
|
parietals |
|
prefrontals |
|
nasals |
2 scales are devided partially |
internasals |
absent |
loreals |
|
preoculars |
|
postoculars |
|
temporals |
|
Supralabials |
|
mental |
|
infralabials |
|
sublinguals |
|
coastals |
|
ventrals |
129-149 |
anal |
|
subcaudals |
4-9 (the count of these scales are higher in males) |
It bears 19 rows of mid body scales. The scales covering the body are not overlapped.
Characteristics
The larges body is owned by this species when comparing other species of this particular family. The body is a bit long, & cylindrical. It lacks a distinct neck. Medium sized, dorsoventrally flattened head is present. The head is also pointed. The eye is covered with a membrane. Snout bears a keel. The circular tail shield is angular and is spinous. These spines in the middle of the tail are clearer.
Colour
Adult snakes have a brown colour body which is shiny. Ventrally it is light brown or yellow. Young snakes bear yellow dots dorsally and light brown spots ventrally.
Venom
These snakes are not venomous. Do not try to attack.
Dentition
Data not found.
Behavior
These snakes cannot dig through the dry soil and are found moving on smooth surfaces as earth worms and are mistaken.
Breeding
Data not found.
Growth
At birth they measure 100mm & grow up to 350-400mm.
Food
These snakes mainly feed on earth worms and also they are seen to utilize insects, moths and small soil amphibians.
Identification
Data not found.
|
