Colubridae
Cambodian Kukri Snake
HarmlessOligodon mouhoti
The Cambodian Kukri Snake (Oligodon mouhoti) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 3 countries.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Cambodian Kukri Snake
Oligodon mouhoti, also known commonly as the Cambodian kukri snake and Mouhot's kukri snake, is a species of snake in the subfamily Colubrinae of the family Colubridae. The species is native to Southeast Asia.
Etymology
Oligodon mouhoti was named after French naturalist Henri Mouhot.
Description
Oligodon mouhoti may attain a total length (tail included) of 34 cm (13 in). It has 14–16 maxillary teeth, the last two greatly enlarged. It usually has eight upper labials. The dorsal scales are arranged in 17 rows at midbody, and reduced to 15 rows posteriorly. The anal plate is entire (undivided).
Geographic distribution
Oligodon mouhoti is found in Cambodia and Thailand, and possibly in Laos and southern Vietnam.
Habitat
The preferred natural habitat of Oligodon mouhoti is forest, at elevations of 400–600 m (1,300–2,000 ft).
Behavior
Oligodon mouhoti is terrestrial.
Reproduction
Oligodon mouhoti is oviparous.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Cambodian Kukri Snake
- Is the Cambodian Kukri Snake venomous?
- No. The Cambodian Kukri Snake (Oligodon mouhoti) is non-venomous and is not considered dangerous to humans. Like most snakes, it will retreat rather than bite when given the chance.
- Is the Cambodian Kukri Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Cambodian Kukri Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Cambodian Kukri Snake dangerous?
- The Cambodian Kukri Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Cambodian Kukri Snake live?
- The Cambodian Kukri Snake has verified records in 3 countries, including Thailand, Viet Nam, Cambodia. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- Why is it called the Cambodian Kukri Snake?
- Oligodon mouhoti was named after French naturalist Henri Mouhot.
Where it is found
More Colubridae snakes
Taiwan Kukri SnakeOligodon formosanus
Small-banded Kukri SnakeOligodon fasciolatus
Streaked Kukri SnakeOligodon taeniolatus
Banded kukri snakeOligodon arnensis
Eight-striped Kukri SnakeOligodon octolineatus
Striped Kukri SnakeOligodon taeniatus
Chinese Kukri SnakeOligodon chinensis
Brown Kukri SnakeOligodon purpurascens
Classification
How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.
- OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards
- Squamata
- FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits
- Colubridae
- GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
- Oligodon
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Oligodon mouhoti
Keep learning
- What to Do If You Find a SnakeFound a snake at home or on a trail? Here is how to stay calm, give it space, identify it safely, and know when to call a professional.
- Venomous vs Nonvenomous: How to Tell the DifferenceThe folk rules for telling venomous snakes apart, where each one fails, and why location-based identification beats guessing by sight.
- What Is a Snake? Anatomy and the BasicsA clear overview of what makes a snake a snake: limbless body plan, anatomy, evolution from lizards, species diversity, and why they are ectothermic.
- How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard and HomeA practical guide to keeping snakes out of your yard and home using habitat changes that work, plus what to skip and what to do if one shows up.
Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.