Distributed range & status
These snakes are endemic to Sri Lanka, found in dry & wet climatic zones up to 1000m. It’s found from the plains, abundant in water ways, such as flooded rice fields, ponds, lakes, marshes & rivers.
Scales
rostral |
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frontal |
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supraoculars |
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parietals |
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prefrontals |
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nasals |
divided |
internasals |
1 pair. Posterior parts are narrow. |
loreals |
1 |
preoculars |
1 |
postoculars |
3 |
temporals |
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Supralabials |
9 (4 & 6 connects with the eye) |
mental |
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infralabials |
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sublinguals |
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coastals |
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ventrals |
131-146 |
anal |
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subcaudals |
73-93 undivided |
Mid body is consisting of 19 rows of scales. Dorsal scales are strongly keeled & rough.
Characteristics
The body of the snake is short, cylindrical & consists of a clear neck. Slightly pointed head is present. The eye consists of a rounded pupil. Nostrils are narrow, directed slightly upwards. The tail is long. The female is longer in length.
Colour
Dorsal bodies of these snakes are olive brown colour. Anterior half of the body distinctly has 20-32 large black spots or cross bars. Posterior body may lack them or may be in light colour irregular shapes. The head is dark in colour. 2 black strips run behind eyes. Ventral body is white.
Venom
These snakes are non poisonous.
Dentition
Data not found.
Behavior
They’re oviparous. They are diurnal & nocturnal. It’s a water snake most abundant in water ways. In dry condition they undergo aestivation in the summer. They are known to be very aggressive. When threatened they attempt to bite, by flattening the head & the neck as the Cobra. The bite may cause wounds. Also they may release an odor which has a bad smell.
Breeding
The gestation period is 55-67 days. Females do not guard the clutches of eggs but they hang around. They lay clutches of 4-30 eggs & are produced between September & October.
Growth
At birth 100mm & grow in to an adult length of 400-700mm.
Food
Diet consist frogs & fish.
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