Family : COLUBRIDAE
Species: Lycodon laoensis
Maximum Size : 50 cm

Lycodon laoensis inhabits a range of evergreen forest habitats in lowland and hilly areas in parts of northeastern India, southern China, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. The southerly extent of this large range also extends into parts of Kedah state in northern Peninsular Malaysia. 

This nocturnal snake is both terrestrial and arboreal. Its diet comprises other vertebrates, particularly lizards and frogs.

Its head and body shape are typical for the Lycodon genus; the head is elongated and flattened, and the body is slender. 

The colour and patterning of the species is distinctive, comprising pale yellow bars on a shiny black background; the bars becomes thinner and more numerous towards the distal part of the body and tail. The belly is pure cream or white.

Although this relatively small snake reaches a modest 50 cm in total length, it is known to be defensive in temperament, and will strike quickly at any perceived threat.

Fig 1 and 2 : Example (estimated total length = 40 cm) encountered near Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia; the snake was crossing a cycle track in secondary forest. Photos thanks to Derek Clark.

Fig 3 : Mature secondary forest surrounding Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia.


References : H12