Distributed range & status
Endemic snake species found in Sri Lanka. They are mainly found in the down country dry zone with dark brown soil such as Anuradhapura, Monaragala, Mulatiew, Galoya, Ampara, Wilpattu, Buttala, Rajanganaya, and Monaragala.
Scales
rostral |
1 clear keel present |
frontal |
|
supraoculars |
Absent |
parietals |
|
prefrontals |
Rostral divides half way through |
nasals |
Rostral divides them completely |
internasals |
|
loreals |
Absent |
preoculars |
Absent |
postoculars |
Absent |
temporals |
Absent |
Supralabials |
|
mental |
|
infralabials |
|
sublinguals |
|
coastals |
|
ventrals |
211-227 |
anal |
1 divided |
subcaudals |
5-8 only the 1st scale is divided |
These snakes have smooth and shiny scales, which are not overlapped. The mid body has 17-19 scale rows. Lateral scales are same length as the frontal.
Characteristics
The largest member of Family Uropeltidae found in Sri Lanka. The body is middle sized, & cylindrical. It lacks a distinct neck. Small, pointed, dorsoventrally flattened head is present. The small eyes are covered with a membrane. Snout bears a clear keel. The tail shield is concave and circular, it bears tubercles.
Colour
All body scales consist of a dark brown base and the scales have ridge which is light grey or white in colour. The head is brown colour and the rostral is orange. Anal area and the tail bear white or yellow patches. The tail shield is sometimes white in colour. Ventral scales have white ridge on them.
Venom
These snakes are not venomous. Do not attempt to attack.
Dentition
Data not found.
Behavior
It shows the balling behaviour when excited and hides the head within the ball. Also it raises the tip of the tail high and wags. Their locomotion becomes fast in loose soil.
Breeding
Data not found.
Growth
These snakes grow up to 400-550mm.
Food
These snakes mainly feed on earth worms and also they are seen to utilize insects specially millipedes.
Identification
Data not found
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