Striped Keelback

Xenochrophis vittatus

🐍 Non-venomous

Description

The Striped Keelback (Xenochrophis vittatus) is a medium-sized, semi-aquatic snake found throughout Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It is easily recognized by its olive to brown body with two distinct yellow or light stripes running along its length. This species is commonly found near freshwater habitats such as rice fields, ponds, and streams. It primarily feeds on frogs, tadpoles, and small fish. Despite its active nature, it usually avoids confrontation with humans.

Venomous?

Non-venomous, it does not possess venom dangerous to humans.

A Danger to Humans?

Generally not aggressive; will flee when threatened. It may bite if handled roughly, but the bite is harmless.

Population Size

Stable

Life Span

-

WEIGHT​

30.5 g

LENGTH

Total length 60 cm

Ca

Carnivore

Di

Diurnal

No

Nocturnal

Se

Semiaquatic

Classification

KINGDOM

:

Animalia

PHYLUM

:

Chordata

CLASS

:

Reptilia

ORDER

:

Squamata

FAMILY

:

Natricidae

GENUS

:

Xenochrophis

SPECIES

:

Xenochrophis vittatus

Distribution

The species is common in ricefields, in stagnant water ecosystems such as ponds and small lakes, marsh areas and some small streams. It is recorded from sea level to about 1.200 m asl. Its original habitat is thought to be open wetlands

Geography

Continents : Asia

Country : The striped keelback is found in Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia (Sumatra, Bangka-Belitung, Java, and Sulawesi).

Habits and Lifestyle

The Striped Keelback is a diurnal species, found in rice fields, ponds, small trenches, and sometimes in suburban backyards and home gardens. This snake has hind fangs and is somewhat venomous, and is considered harmless.

Lifestyle

Semiaquatic

Biome

Wetlands

Climate Zone

Tropical

Diet and Nutrition

This snake hunts in wetland areas. The main food is frogs and small fish.

Diet : Carnivora

Mating Habits

The Striped Keelback reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). The number of eggs produced is 8 eggs.

Reproduction session : –

Incubation periods : –

Independent age : at birth

Baby name : –

Baby carrying : 8 eggs

Population

Population status : Least Concern (LC)

NE

DD

LC

NT

VU

EN

CR

EW

EX

Population threats​

Trade is currently not considered as as a threat to the species. It is not known to be affected by other threats.

Population number​

The species is widespread in Java and Sumatra, occurring in a variety of man-made habitats where no major threats are known to be affecting its population. It is therefore listed as Least Concern.

PHOTO GALLERY

Reference

  1. Iskandar, D., Inger, R.F., Auliya, M. & Lilley, R. 2012. Xenochrophis vitattus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012: e.T192059A2034486
  2. Xenochrophis vittatus Wikipedia article
  3. Somaweera, R. 2017. A Naturalist’s Guide To The Reptiles and Amphibians of Bali. John Beaufoy Publishing, Oxford, England.