Lycodon davisonii
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English name: Common Bridle Snake (aka: “Blanford’s Bridal Snake”)
Scientific name: Lycodon davisonii (formerly Dryocalamus davisonii)
Thai name: Ngu Plong-chanuan India
Description: To 92cm long. A very slender, vertically narrow snake with a long tail and a depressed head. Body is black with white or pale green crossbands that get closer together as they break up into a reticulated pattern towards the tail. Head is mostly white with a black snout and a narrow black line that runs down the middle of the head towards the body. Underbelly is white.
Similar Species: Common Wolf Snake is not as slender, is wider than it is high, and has less distinct banding.
Banded Krait has a thicker, triangular body. Its light and dark bands are of equal width and remain distinct throughout the body.
Habitat: This forest species is semi-arboreal and can be found in bushes and trees as well as on the ground. Is rather secretive and only comes out at night.
Place in the ecosystem: The Common Bridle Snake eats lizards, mostly feeding on geckos. It is eaten by larger snakes.
Danger to humans: This snake rarely bites and is not dangerous to humans.
Conservation status and threats: No known conservation threats. It is not commonly seen in the Bangkok area.
Interesting facts: The Common Bridle Snake is referred to as a “bridle snaks” due to its narrow body and banded coloration, which makes it appear similar to the bridles (reins) used to control horses.
References:
The Reptile Database: Lycodon davisonii
A Photographic Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand
A Field Guide to the Reptiles of South-East Asia
A Field Guide to the Snakes of South Vietnam
Reptiles and Amphibians of Thailand 