Colubridae
Ornate Kukri Snake
HarmlessOligodon ornatus
The Ornate Kukri Snake (Oligodon ornatus) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 5 countries.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Ornate Kukri Snake
Oligodon ornatus, also known as the ornate kukri snake, is a species of snake of the family Colubridae.
Geographic range and habitat
The snake is found in Taiwan and China. Recent taxonomic work restricts its range in China to the eastern and southern parts of the country; earlier records from Sicuan represent Oligodon lungshenensis and the record from Hainan might repsent Oligodon bivirgatus. It occurs at elevations of 200–1,200 m (660–3,940 ft) above sea level in agricultural areas, bamboo forests, and broadleaf forests.
Description
Adult Oligodon ornatus measure 292–559 mm (11.5–22.0 in) in snout–vent length; the tail is 51–95 mm (2.0–3.7 in). They are slender snakes with an elongate head that is slightly distinct from the body. The tail tapers to sharp pointed tip. Colouration is dorsally light brown, with brown-coloured broad paravertebral stripes and narrower lateral stripes on each side of body, extending from nape to tail. The head has distinct dark brown or reddish brown markings.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Ornate Kukri Snake
- Is the Ornate Kukri Snake venomous?
- No. The Ornate Kukri Snake (Oligodon ornatus) 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 Ornate Kukri Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Ornate Kukri Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Ornate Kukri Snake dangerous?
- The Ornate Kukri Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Ornate Kukri Snake live?
- The Ornate Kukri Snake has verified records in 5 countries, including Chinese Taipei, China, Namibia. 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 ornatus
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.