Oligodon sublineatus
| Dumeril's kukri snake | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Oligodon |
| Species: | O. sublineatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Oligodon sublineatus A.M.C. Duméril, G. Bibron and A.H.A. Duméril, 1854 | |
Oligodon sublineatus, commonly known as Dumeril's kukri snake[1][2] or Pulli Dath Ketiya-පුල්ලි දත්-කැටියා (Sinhala) is a species of nonvenomous kukri snake found in Sri Lanka.
Description
Body somewhat cylindrical and stout. Head short, and blunt. Dorsum pinkish-brown with small three rows of brown markings. Two lateral rows of linear marks confluent and usually from stripes. Median row of discontinuous spots ending at vent.
Distribution
It is a common species from the plains and midhills of Sri Lanka. Widespread within he country. Known from the localities such as Kalutara, Mathugama, Gammaduwa, and Knuckles Mountain Range, Kotmale, Ratnapura, Weligalla, Negambo, Nawala, Gampola, Peradeniya, and Kandy in the central hills, as well as localities in dry northern parts of the island.
Ecology
Found in thinly forested areas, often entering human habitation, and usually hides under leaf litter, at elevations up to 1200m. Active during the day as well as at dusk. When threatened, it flattens its body but does not attempt to bite. The blade-like teeth are thought adaptive for cutting up shells of reptile eggs, and small lizards and frog eggs also consumed.
References
- 1 2 Somaweera, R. & de Silva, A. (2010). "Oligodon sublineatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2015.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 26 August 2015.
- ↑ Oligodon sublineatus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 26 August 2015.