Oligodon sublineatus

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.[3]

Dumeril's kukri snake

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
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

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.

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References
  1. Somaweera, R. & de Silva, A. (2010). "Oligodon sublineatus". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN. 2010: e.T177419A7433477. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T177419A7433477.en.
  2. Oligodon sublineatus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 26 August 2015.
  3. "Systematics and Ecology of Oligodon sublineatus Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854, An Endemic Snake of Sri Lanka, including the Designation of A Lectotype". Novataxa. Retrieved 3 February 2019.
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