Re. 42 OLIGODON ARNENSIS(Arn’s Kukri Snake)
Phylum: Chordata
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family :
Colubridae
Genus : Oligodon
Species: arsensis
DESCRIPTION
The arani kukri snake (Oligodon
arnensis), is a species of nonvenomous colubrid found
mainly in South Asia. The nasal scale is divided;
the portion of rostral seen from above is as long as its distance from the
frontal or a little shorter; the suture between the internasals is usually
nearly as long as that between the prefrontals. The frontal is as long as its
distance from the end of the snout or a little shorter, and a little shorter
than the parietals. The loreal, if distinct, is longer than it is deep, and
frequently united with the prefrontal. It has one preocular and two
postoculars; the temporals are 1+2; of its seven upper labials, the third and
fourth enter the eye; its four lower labials are in contact with the anterior
chin shields; the posterior chin shields are one-half to two-thirds the length
of the anterior. Its scales are in 17 rows. The ventrals are angulated
laterally, and number 170-202; the anal scale is divided; subcaudals are 41–59
in number. The banded kukuri snake is
pale brown or orange above, with well-defined black crossbands, which vary in
number and in width according to individuals, and may be edged with white; an
angular or transverse black band is found between the eyes, with another
behind, with the apex on the frontal, and a third on the nape. Its lower
surface is uniform yellowish, rarely spotted with brown, or with a brown
posterior border to the ventrals. Its
total length is 24 inches, with a 3.5-inch tail.(female 640 mm, tail
100 mm). It is found in India and
Sri Lanka, northwards to Nepal and the Himalayas, where it has been recorded
from an altitude of 4100 feet. It is nocturnal
and feeds on earthworms, insects and larvae.
IUCN Status: Threatened
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