Colubridae
Small-banded Kukri Snake
HarmlessOligodon fasciolatus






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
Taiwan Kukri SnakeOligodon formosanus
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
Black Cross-barred Kukri SnakeOligodon cinereus
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
- 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.