Distributed range & status
Endemic snake species found in Sri Lanka. They are reported from Knuckles from Matale district suchas Gammaduwa and Hunnasgiriya.
Scales
rostral |
1 bears a keel |
frontal |
1 same length as the rostral |
supraoculars |
|
parietals |
|
prefrontals |
|
nasals |
Divided completely by the rostral |
internasals |
|
loreals |
|
preoculars |
|
postoculars |
|
temporals |
|
Supralabials |
|
mental |
|
infralabials |
|
sublinguals |
|
coastals |
|
ventrals |
197-226 |
anal |
|
subcaudals |
6-9 |
The mid body has 17 scale rows, which are not overlapped.
Characteristics
The body is very short, & flattened or half 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 joins ventrally as a ridge and there are two small spines on each side of the ridge and few other very small spines.
Colour
Dorsal body of this snake is dark bluish black. Mid dorsal body have 7 rows of scales which have the mid part yellow in colour. They are shown as lines along the body. Laterally yellow patches or vertical broad bands are included. Ventral body is blackish and the anal scale is yellow in colour.
Venom
These snakes are not venomous. Do not attempt to attack.
Dentition
Data not found.
Behavior
They spend their life time under rocks, litter or logs. Their locomotion is mainly seen in loose soil. When felt threatened, they move fast and a strong unpleasant odor is released from their body.
Breeding
Data not found
Growth
These snakes grow up to 200mm.
Food
Data not found
Identification
Data not found
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