Family : COLUBRIDAE
Species: Dendrelaphis caudolineatus
Maximum Size : 1.5 metres

This large species of Bronzeback, measuring up to 1.5 metres, occurs in a variety of habitats including closed forests, open secondary growth and scrubland. It is active by day, and is generally arboreal preferring to move amongst low trees and shrubs. It often comes to ground, however, and has been sighted in grassy areas near to woodlands as well as the margins of water bodies, probably in search of frogs.

The species is best identified on the basis of its thick black lateral stripes on a white background, and its brown dorsal surface. It lacks the black eye-stripe which is present in most other bronzebacks. The top of the head and neck are bronze.

The eye is large, and the head somewhat wider than the moderately slender body.  Unlike other bronzebacks, the vertebral scales are not enlarged but are narrow in shape. Its lower cheeks and lips are pale yellow.

In addition to frogs, this snake also feeds on lizards and, reportedly, young birds in their nest.

The Striped Bronzeback ranges from southern Thailand, through Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore to Sumatra, Borneo and the Philippines.

Fig 1 : Juvenile, amongst low shrubs, Singapore.

Fig 2 : Adult specimen foraging at lake margin, Singapore.

Fig 3 : Juvenile resting on banana leaf at Danum Valley, Sabah, Borneo.

Fig 4 : Fully grown adult in forest edge leaf litter at Taiping, Perak, Peninsular Malaysia.

Fig 5 : Neonate (hatchling) measuring around 30 cm from Singapore's central forests.


References :

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

Manthey U., Grossmann W., 1997. Amphibien und Reptilien Sudostasiens. Natur und Tier - Verlag.