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Colubridae

Small-banded Kukri Snake

Harmless

Oligodon fasciolatus

Small-banded Kukri Snake
Oligodon fasciolatus, © Thomas Galewski
Small-banded Kukri SnakeSmall-banded Kukri SnakeSmall-banded Kukri SnakeSmall-banded Kukri SnakeSmall-banded Kukri Snake

6 photographs of the Small-banded Kukri Snake. © Thomas Galewski.

The Small-banded Kukri Snake (Oligodon fasciolatus) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 9 countries.

Family
Colubridae

About the Small-banded Kukri Snake

Oligodon fasciolatus, commonly known as the small-banded kukri snake or the fasciolated kukri snake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is native to Southeast Asia. This snake uniquely eviscerates live poisonous toads, Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Asian common toads), to avoid toxic white liquid the toad secretes. This snake also preys on the Kaloula pulchra (Banded bullfrog).

Geographic range

O. fasciolatus is found in southeastern Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of O. fasciolatus is forest.

Description

O. fasciolatus may attain a total length of 115 cm (45 in). O. fasciolatus appears brownish-ground, tinged with yellow-olive, greyish-brown, or reddish-brown.

Reproduction

O. fasciolatus is oviparous.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Small-banded Kukri Snake

Is the Small-banded Kukri Snake venomous?
No. The Small-banded Kukri Snake (Oligodon fasciolatus) 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 Small-banded Kukri Snake poisonous?
Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Small-banded Kukri Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
Is the Small-banded Kukri Snake dangerous?
The Small-banded Kukri Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
Where does the Small-banded Kukri Snake live?
The Small-banded Kukri Snake has verified records in 9 countries, including Thailand, Viet Nam, China. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Where it is found

More Colubridae snakes

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 fasciolatus

Keep learning

Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.