Biology:Oligodon sublineatus

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Short description: Species of snake

Oligodon sublineatus
Oligodon sublineatus (10.3897-zse.91.4971) Figure 1.jpg
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
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, Bibron and A.H.A. Duméril, 1854

Oligodon sublineatus, commonly known as Dumeril's kukri snake[1][2] is a species of rear-fanged kukri snake found in Sri Lanka.[3]

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, particularly nocturnal. 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

Wikidata ☰ Q3022986 entry