Family : NATRICIDAE
Species : Xenochrophis vittatus
Maximum Size : 70 cm

The Striped Keelback inhabits moist, lowland agricultural areas, gardens and leafy suburbs. It is diurnal and often active in the mornings, and feeds mainly on frogs and fishes. It is generally terrestrial in habit, but sometimes may climb low shrubs.

On the dorsal surface are four pale yellow-brown stripes against a black background : these persist along the entire length of the body and tail. The chin, lips, neck and all ventral scales are distinctively barred black and white.

The species occurs in Sumatra, Java and Sulawesi. In some remaining grassy areas of Singapore it is locally common, but is considered an introduced species.

Figs 1 and 2 : 40 cm specimen, photographed at Kranji, Singapore.

Fig 3 : Consuming a Field Frog Fejervarya limnocharis


References : H2, H3