Distributed range & status
Endemic snake species found in Sri Lanka. They are mainly found in the mountain sides witch includes reddish soil such as HAlmulla, Uwa Pathana, and Namunukula.
Scales
rostral |
1 laterally flattened, lacks keels |
frontal |
1 length is same as rostral. Length exceeds the width |
supraoculars |
absent |
parietals |
|
prefrontals |
2 and 3 touches supralabials |
nasals |
Divided completely by the rostral |
internasals |
|
loreals |
Absent |
preoculars |
Absent |
postoculars |
Absent |
temporals |
absent |
Supralabials |
5 |
mental |
|
infralabials |
|
sublinguals |
|
coastals |
|
ventrals |
170-191 |
anal |
1 divided |
subcaudals |
4-8 some scales are divided and some are not divided |
The mid body has 17 scale rows, which are not overlapped.
Characteristics
The body is very short, & cylindrical. It lacks a distinct neck. Small, pointed, dorsoventrally flattened head is present. The eye is covered with a membrane. Snout lacks a keel. The tail shield is concave and circular, it bears tubercles.
Colour
Dorsal body of this snake is reddish brown colour and every scale of the body bear a brown patch and a yellow ridge on them. Lateral body bear yellow or light brown triangular patches. The head is dark brown. Tail bears yellow colour half or completed ring. The ventral brown body has yellow ridges but also there are complete yellow body snakes found within Sri Lanka.
Venom
These snakes are not venomous. Do not attempt to attack.
Dentition
Data not found.
Behavior
Found in loose soil with litter also in agricultural lands. . Their locomotion becomes fast in loose soil. They are seen living in groups or alone. Females are more common and are higher in number.
Breeding
These snake species produce 2-5 offspring and are ovoviparous.
Growth
These snakes grow up to 250-300mm.
Food
These snakes mainly utilize millipedes and specially termites.
Identification
Data not found
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