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Family : COLUBRIDAE
Species : Ptyas mucosa
Maximum Size : 3.7 metres
Ptyas mucosa
(Oriental Rat Snake or Indian Rat Snake), is a geographically widespread
species which occurs at a range of elevations, from sea level to 4000 metres
(Das, 2010).
This long snake inhabits forest, but it appears more common in disturbed,
agricultural areas where there is easy prey such as rodents, frogs and other
small vertebrates.
Males engage in 'combat dances', much like the closely-related
Ptyas korros (Indochinese Rat
Snake).
Its body is slender, with its head slightly wider, and its eyes are large.
Its overall colour may vary from yellowish-brown to reddish brown to
blackish. There are dark bands at the posterior end of the body. Its
underside is pale. Scales beneath and behind the eye are edged with
black.
This fast-moving snake ranges from Iran and Pakistan through India to much
of mainland Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam,
northern Peninsular Malaysia) and the island of Sumatra.
It appears unlikely the species occurs in Singapore; it is not listed in the
most recent status revision of reptiles for the country, published in 2021
by the National Parks Board.
Figs 1 and 2 :
Example from Kaeng Krachan District, Phetchaburi Province, Thailand. Photos thanks to Charles Currin.
References :
Das, I., 2010. A Field Guide to the Reptiles of South-east Asia. New
Holland Publishers (UK) Ltd.
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