Specklebelly Keelback

Rhabdophis chrysargos

⚠️ Mildly venomous

Description

The Specklebelly Keelback (Rhabdophis chrysargos) is a medium-sized snake found in Southeast Asia, typically inhabiting forested areas near streams, rice fields, and wetlands. It has a slender body with keeled scales and distinctive coloration,usually olive or brownish-green with yellow or orange speckles along its sides and belly, giving it its common name. Like other keelbacks, it is semi-aquatic and feeds mainly on frogs, small fish, and amphibians.

Venomous?

Yes, mildly venomous. This species possesses Duvernoy’s glands, producing a mild venom primarily used for subduing prey. It is not considered dangerous to humans.

A Danger to Humans?

Generally non-aggressive and will attempt to flee when threatened. Bites are rare and cause minimal symptoms in humans.

Population Size

Stable

Life Span

-

WEIGHT​

30.5 g

LENGTH

Maximum total length 1 meter

Ar

Arboreal

Ca

Carnivore

Di

Diurnal

No

Nocturnal

Te

Terrestrial

Classification

KINGDOM

:

Animalia

PHYLUM

:

Chordata

CLASS

:

Reptilia

ORDER

:

Squamata

FAMILY

:

Natricidae

GENUS

:

Rhabdophis

SPECIES

:

Rhabdophis chrysargos

Distribution

On Bali recorded in lower montane forest and agricultural areas with both high and low rainfall, up to 1400 m asl, but most commonly above 700 m asl. Occasionally enter caves. Elsewhere occurs in various habitats from rainforest to semi-arid scrublands to 1300 m asl.

Geography

Continents : Asia

Country : Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia (Kalimantan, Papua, Bali, Jawa, Sumatera, Lesser Sunda Island, Maluku), Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar; Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam

Habits and Lifestyle

The Specklebelly Keelback is nocturnal and diurnal, mostly living on the ground but this species is also an excellent climber.

Lifestyle

Arboreal and Terrestrial

Biome

Tropical Forest

Climate Zone

Tropical

Diet and Nutrition

Specklebelly Keelback are carnivores that eat frogs, and tadpoles, but lizards, fish, small bird and mammals are also taken, they are rear fanged snake.

Diet : Carnivora

Mating Habits

Specklebelly Keelback reproduce by laying eggs (oviparous). The number of eggs produced ranges from 3 to 10 eggs and will hatch after incubation for 7 to 9 weeks. The newly hatched baby snakes are between 15 and 22 cm long.

Reproduction session : –

Incubation periods : 7 – 9 weeks

Independent age : at birth

Baby name : –

Baby carrying : 3-10 eggs

Population

Population status : Least Concern (LC)

NE

DD

LC

NT

VU

EN

CR

EW

EX

Population threats​

This species may be affected by deforestation, although it is not considered to be a major threat at present since this species is widespread, it is still common in areas such as Borneo which are subject to high rates of forest loss, and is able to survive in secondary forest.

Population number​

This Specklebelly Keelback is listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution and the absence of any major threats.

PHOTO GALLERY

Reference

  1. Vogel, G., Wogan, G., Tampos, G., Delima, E.M., Diesmos, A.C., Iskandar, D., Das, I. & Inger, R.F. 2012. Rhabdophis chrysargos. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012: e.T184067A1747496
  2. Somaweera, R. 2017. A Naturalist’s Guide To The Reptiles and Amphibians of Bali. John Beaufoy Publishing, Oxford, England.
  3. McKay, J.L. 2006. Reptil and Amphibi di Bali. Krieger Publishing Company, Florida, USA.