Red-necked keelback snake
The Red-necked keelback (Rhabdophis subminiatus) is a species of highly-venomous snake native to Asia. The specific name ‘subminiatus’ refers to the typical reddish coloration and cant be translated as ‘scarlet, vermilion’.
The Red-necked keelback has a greenish hue with red and yellow regions near the head. It grows to 70 to 90 cm (27.5 to 35.5 in) in total length (including tail). The female of the species is much larger than the male.
Red-necked keelbacks can be found in Bangladesh, Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Sulawesi), Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Burma, West Malaysia, Bhutan, Nepal, India ( Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland ), China (Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Fujian, Hong Kong, Hainan). These snakes are usually found near water. They inhabit wet grasslands, marshes, swamps, rice fields, near ponds and rivers.
Red-necked keelbacks are semi-aquatic reptiles. They are active during the day spending most of the time searching for prey. Although not aggressive in their nature, Red-necked keelbacks are considered dangerous. They have a Duvernoy's gland, located in the upper jaw which produces an extremely venomous secretion. If disturbed or cornered the snake will flatten its body, and if provoked it can strike.
When the Red-necked keelback bites, the salivary venom mixture is not injected, but it flows into the punctures produced by the upper jaw's rear teeth, which can penetrate the skin of humans. The venom from this species has been responsible for internal hemorrhaging, including hemorrhaging of the brain, as well as nausea, coagulopathy, and even disseminated intravascular coagulation. Also, when the venom was tested on animals, kidney failure was reported. Caution should be taken when dealing with patients who have been bitten by the Red-necked keelback snake. No further injury such as injections should be used because this may cause excessive bleeding in the bite victim. Although most bites of humans from this species are involved with the front teeth and do not cause adverse effects, rare bites from the rear fangs can be lethal. This species of snake has recently been added to the schedule of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act, of 1976.
Red-necked keelbacks are carnivores (piscivores) and mainly consume fish and frogs.
Red-necked keelbacks are oviparous and females are known to lay up to 14 eggs.
There are no major threats to this species at present.
According to IUCN Red List, the Red-necked keelback is common throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.
