Family : ELAPIDAE
Species : Calliophis intestinalis
Maximum Size : 50 cm

This small species has a powerful neurotoxic venom and should be approached with care. It inhabits forests areas, and sometimes overgrown areas of parks and gardens. It is ground dwelling, and feeds mainly on other snakes, particularly the tiny Brahminy Blind Snake.

It can be identified by the reddish-orange vertebral stripe, and the red tail. On either side there is a pale lateral stripe. When threatened, the snake turns over to reveal the underside, which is dramatically patterned in black and white. 

As of 2019, 7 subspecies are recognised.

The species is found in southern Thailand, the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, Java, Sumatra, Borneo and the Philippines.

Figs 1 to 3 : These three images are of an example of the subspecies Calliophis intestinalis lineata found in a leafy, suburban part of Singapore.  Figure 3 is of the strikingly patterned underside.

Fig 4 : Example of subspecies Calliophis intestinalis thepassi from Brunei, Borneo. It lacks reddish stripes along the body.  Thanks to Andreina Goodfellow for sharing this image. 


References :

Cox, van Dijk, Nabhitabhata, Thirakhupt, 1998. A photographic Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. New Holland.