
Photographed in Taman Negara, Pahang,
Peninsular Malaysia.Family : COLUBRIDAE
Species : Elaphe taeniura ridleyi
Maximum Size : 2.5 metres
References : H1, H3
Photo thanks to Kelvin Lim
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The Cave Dwelling Snake or
Cave Racer inhabits limestone caves, occasionally venturing to the cave
entrance. It is considered a specialised subspecies of the more widespread
Elaphe taeniura.
The anterior scales are yellowish-brown or beige, and the posterior scales
black, with a thick, white or yellow vertebral stripe. The head is slender
and bears a thick, black eye-mask. The top of the head is bluish. It preys
mainly on bats.
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Close-up of the head showing
the dark eye-mask. |
The species occurs in
southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia. |