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Family : COLUBRIDAE
Species : Oligodon taeniatus
Maximum Size : 45 cm
Oligodon taeniatus
(Striped Kukri Snake) is a typical species of kukri snake which ranges
widely in the lowlands of Indochina. It is nocturnal and terrestrial in
habits; by day it typically lies concealed beneath forest floor debris such
as leaves, and rocks.
Its diet comprises frogs, lizards and their eggs (Das, 2010). When disturbed
it will raise or vibrate its tail, which reveals the red underside as a
warning to potential predators.
In the field the species is most easily identified by "the presence of
two dark longitudinal paravertebral stripes edging a (yellow) vertebral
stripe, and two narrower dorsolateral stripes" (Reptile
Database). The arrangement of dark and pale markings on top of the head
is also useful for identification in photographs, but these may appear
faded in some examples.
Its body and tail dimensions (both subcylindrical in cross-section) and head
shape are typical of the genus Oligodon.
This species is known to occur in southern Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand
and Myanmar.
In Singapore the species referred to as "Striped Kukri Snake" is a
quite different species, namely Oligodon
octolineatus.
Figs 1 and 2 : Small example (estimated total length of around 30 cm) from Siem Reap, Cambodia,
found in botanic gardens in the late afternoon. It was observed
vibrating the last 5 cm of its tail when disturbed, and readily assumed a strike
pose. Photos thanks
to Derek Clark.
References :
Das, I., 2010. A Field Guide to the Reptiles of South-east Asia. New
Holland Publishers (UK) Ltd.
Links:
Reptile
Database
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