Photographed at Fraser's Hill, Peninsular Malaysia at an altitude of
around 900 metres.
Family : NATRICIDAE
Species : Psammodynastes pulverulentus
Maximum Size : 77 cm
References : H1, H3, H4
Photos thanks to Celine Low |
With its large head and
bold disposition, this species has long been called the Mock Viper, given
its similarity to true vipers. It was once considered 'common' in Peninsular
Malaysia. Though this is a harmless, back-fanged species, its readiness to
bite may result in a painful skin puncture wound from its sharp front teeth.
It is light to dark brown or greyish above, with a typical bifurcating
pattern on top of the head. Light and dark brown stripes also extend along
the length of the body, punctuated in places by small black spots with a
white centre. The underside is pale, speckled with brown. The eye is of
medium size, the pupil vertical, and the iris orange-brown.
The species is active both
day and night, and feeds on frogs, geckos and skinks.
The Common Mock Viper is
found in a wide range of altitudes, from forested lowlands to montane
regions of up to 1600 metres. It ranges from the Indian Subcontinent,
through Indochina and parts of Southern China to Peninsular Malaysia, most
of Indonesia and the Philippines. It has not been recorded in Singapore.
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