Family : COLUBRIDAE
Species : Xenelaphis hexagonotus
Maximum Size : 2 metres

References : H2, H3

Reaching around 2 metres in length, the Malayan Brown Snake is a harmless, terrestrial or semi-aquatic species inhabiting forests,  plantations and swamps (freshwater and mangrove).

It feeds on other vertebrates, particularly rodents, but in freshwater swamp habitats is known to be highly aquatic in behaviour, feeding chiefly on small fishes and frogs. The typical hunting method is to adopt an erect posture, waiting for prey to come into range, and then to strike quickly (see image at left).

Its dorsal scales are brown, becoming more olive-green posteriorly, especially in juveniles. A regular series of dark brown bands extends slightly onto the belly, which is white or pale yellow.

The species ranges from Southern Burma and Southern Thailand, and parts of Indochina, through Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore to the Riau Archipelago, Sumatra, Borneo and Java.