Family : COLUBRIDAE
Species : Lycodon tristrigatus
Maximum Size : 65 cm

Lycodon tristrigatus (Three-striped Bridle Snake) occurs predominantly on the island of Borneo. To the west of Borneo it is also recorded from the Natuna Islands, and to the east it occurs on the Philippine island of Palawan (including Balabac).

It inhabits lowland forest and can climb well on tree trunks and on rocky substrates. It is nocturnal in habits, and probably preys on lizards.

This slender snake can be identified by its brown dorsum with three pale or yellowish stripes which extend along the entire length of its body and tail. Its head is brown on top, strongly flattened and is of greater width than its body. Its underside is pale.

Figs 1 and 2 : Example on moss-covered tree trunk at Danum Valley, Sabah, Borneo.


Thanks to Evan Quah for assistance.


References : H12