Oligodon fasciolatus
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English name: Banded Kukri Snake (aka “Fasciolated Kukri Snake”)
Scientific name: Oligodon fasciolatus
Thai name: Ngu Pi-kaeo Lai Tae
Description: To 88 cm long. One of the largest kukri snakes, the Banded Kukri Snake is fairly robust with a short head. Its body can be either brown, yellowish-olive, red, or gray. Dark blotches are found on the body at wide intervals, separated by small dark crossbars which in some individuals diffuse into a reticulated pattern. The head has an eyestripe that runs through both eyes and all the way down below the jaw, as well as another pair of marks extending behind the eyes. The underbelly is reddish when the snake is young, but fades to white by adulthood.
Similar Species: Striped Kukri Snake has stripes rather than transverse bands.
Common Wolf Snake has indistinct white bands and a yellowish collar around the neck.
Asian Water Snakes (subfamily Homalopsinae) have thicker bodies and broader heads.
Habitat: Evergreen forest, parks, and agriculture.
Contribution to the ecosystem: Will feed on eggs, lizards, frogs, and small rodents. Sometimes eaten by larger snakes.
Danger to humans: No danger to humans, though its sharp teeth can give a painful bite.
Conservation status and threats: No known conservation threats.
Interesting facts: Kukri snakes have sharp rear teeth that are specially modified to slice open bird, lizard, turtle, and snake eggs, which form an important part of their diet.
References:
A Photographic Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand
A Field Guide to the Reptiles of South-East Asia
