Russell's Kukri Snake
NON VENOMOUS
Oligodon taeniolatus
At hatching 75-120mm (3-5in) Adults 300mm (12in) Maximum 590mm (23in)
Description
Scales smooth. Head slightly or not broader than neck, with typical A shaped marks seen on most kukri snakes: eye has round pupil: short tail has pointed tip. Markings on head and back extremely variable. Head pattem: top of brown head usually has two dark brown, black-edged, bow, or A shaped marks closely followed by a broad band or blotch on neck, often with a bold white, cream or pale brown dark edged median streak. Common variations include head markings that merge almost entirely, giving the head a mostly dark brown appearance or they may join only along the middle. Markings sometimes faint. Pattern on back
Striped forms are usually found in dry areas, while blotched forms inhabit moister regions. Though currently dealt with as a single species, it is probable that the forms may represent more than one species.
Scales in 15 rows at midbody, smooth. Ventrals: males 157-201, females 154-219, slightly angulate laterally: anal divided; subcaudals 27-59, paired. Supralabials 7 (3d and 4 touching eye), rarely 6 or 8; loreal 1: preocular I (rarely a presubocular) temporals 142.
Behavior
Though active by day and night, frequently seen at dusk. Found in forests as well as near human habitation, Climbs well. One was seen 3m (10t) high on a wall at 2300 hrs. 25km (15miles) from Bangalore (Karnataka). Eats reptile and amphibian eggs: captive specimens ate small lizards. Has sharp, flattened, curved teeth useful for slicing into reptile eggs. Young feed on insects, grubs and spiders. Lays 3-9 eggs in late June. The amplified rostral recommends that this is a burrower and to be sure, hostage examples will tunnel into confine soil. For the most part very mild, will level body and strike sideways when incited.
Distribution
India: hills and plains of peninsular and northern India; western Himalayas (Garhwal district). Also Pakistan Bangladesh and Sri Lanka
Carbon copies
Other kukri snakes Saw-scaled Viper Common Cat Snake. Slender Racer
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