Oligodon sublineatus

Oligodon sublineatus

Dumeril's kukri snake, Pulli dath ketiya

Kingdom
Phylum
Subphylum
Class
Order
Suborder
Family
Genus
SPECIES
Oligodon sublineatus

Oligodon sublineatus, commonly known as Dumeril's kukri snake or pulli dath ketiya (පුල්ලි දත්-කැටියා; Sinhala) is a species of rear-fanged kukri snake found in Sri Lanka.

Appearance

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

Geography

Continents
Countries
Biogeographical realms

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.

Habits and Lifestyle

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.

Lifestyle

References

1. Oligodon sublineatus Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oligodon_sublineatus
2. Oligodon sublineatus on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/177419/7433477

More Fascinating Animals to Learn About