Colubridae
Duméril's Kukri Snake
HarmlessOligodon sublineatus
6 photographs of the Duméril's Kukri Snake. © Sharon Reid.
The Duméril's Kukri Snake (Oligodon sublineatus) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 2 countries.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Duméril's Kukri Snake
Oligodon sublineatus, commonly known as Dumeril's kukri snake is a species of rear-fanged kukri snake found in Sri Lanka.
Description
Body somewhat cylindrical and stout. Head short, and blunt. Dorsum pinkish-brown with small three rows of brown markings. Two lateral rows of linear marks confluent and usually from stripes. Median row of discontinuous spots ending at vent.
Distribution
It is a common species from the plains and midhills of Sri Lanka. Widespread within he country. Known from the localities such as Kalutara, Mathugama, Gammaduwa, and Knuckles Mountain Range, Kotmale, Ratnapura, Weligalla, Negambo, Nawala, Gampola, Peradeniya, and Kandy in the central hills, as well as localities in dry northern parts of the island.
Ecology
Found in thinly forested areas, often entering human habitation, and usually hides under leaf litter, at elevations up to 1200m. Active during the day as well as at dusk, particularly nocturnal. When threatened, it flattens its body but does not attempt to bite. The blade-like teeth are thought adaptive for cutting up shells of reptile eggs, and small lizards and frog eggs also consumed.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Duméril's Kukri Snake
- Is the Duméril's Kukri Snake venomous?
- No. The Duméril's Kukri Snake (Oligodon sublineatus) 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 Duméril's Kukri Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Duméril's Kukri Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Duméril's Kukri Snake dangerous?
- The Duméril's Kukri Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Duméril's Kukri Snake live?
- The Duméril's Kukri Snake has verified records in 2 countries, including Sri Lanka, Myanmar. See the distribution section below for its full range.
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 sublineatus
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.