Distributed range & status
Endemic snake species found in Sri Lanka. They are mainly found in the mid and North-west area of the country which includes yellowish soil such as Kandy, Peradeniya and Puttlum.
Scales
rostral |
1 large and bear a sharp keel |
frontal |
1 half the length as rostral |
supraoculars |
Absent |
parietals |
|
prefrontals |
Divided halfway by the rostral |
nasals |
Divided completely by the rostral |
internasals |
|
loreals |
Absent |
preoculars |
Absent |
postoculars |
Absent |
temporals |
Absent |
Supralabials |
|
mental |
|
infralabials |
|
sublinguals |
|
coastals |
|
ventrals |
236-246 |
anal |
|
subcaudals |
5-7 |
The mid body has 17 scale rows, which are not overlapped. Lateral scales are longer than the frontal.
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 bears a keel. The tail shield is concave and circular, it bears tubercles.
Colour
Dorsal body of this snake is black or dark brown and all body scales bear a white or yellow ridge. Head is dark brown and the snout is orange. The tail shield is dark brown with a yellow or orange strap horizontally. Each side of vertebrals is light pink or light yellow in colour.
Venom
These snakes are not venomous. Do not attempt to attack.
Dentition
Data not found.
Behavior
Data not found.
Breeding
Data not found.
Growth
These snakes grow up to 300-350mm.
Food
Data not found.
Identification
Data not found
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