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Text and photos by Nick Baker, unless credited to others.
Copyright © Ecology Asia 2025

 
     
 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

   
   
 
Keel-bellied Whip Snake 
Dryophiops rubescens
   
   

Family : COLUBRIDAE
Species : Dryophiops rubescens
Maximum Size : 1 metre

The Keel-bellied Whip Snake Dryophiops rubescens is closely related to typical green or brown whip snakes of the genus Ahaetulla, such as the Oriental Whip Snake.

This diurnal species inhabits lowland forest, including mature secondary forest, and tends to prefer sunnier areas at the forest edge. It is mainly arboreal, but will come to ground to traverse short stretches of open land between forest fragments.

Its diet comprises mainly arboreal lizards and frogs.

The slender body is laterally compressed. The ground colour is grey to ruddy brown, and is adorned with dark brown and cream spots and flecks. The underside is cream mottled with brown flecks in places. There is a thick, dark brown stripe behind each eye, and the tongue is bright red.

The Keel-bellied Whip Snake occurs in southern Thailand, Cambodia, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, Borneo, Java and parts of the Philippines.


Figs 1 to 3 : Typical specimen from Singapore's secondary forests.  All photos thanks to Noel Thomas.


References :

Baker, N. & K. Lim, (Vertebrate Study Group, Nature Society Singapore), 2008. Wild Animals Of Singapore. Draco Publishing and Distribution Pte. Ltd.

Das, I., 2010. A Field Guide to the Reptiles of South-east Asia. New Holland Publishers (UK) Ltd.

Tweedie, M., 1957. The Snakes of Malaya. Raffles Museum, Singapore.

Fig 1
 
©  Noel Thomas
 
Fig 2
 
©  Noel Thomas
 
Fig 3
 
©  Noel Thomas