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Colubridae

Theobald's Kukri Snake

Harmless

Oligodon theobaldi

Theobald's Kukri Snake
Oligodon theobaldi, (c) kyaw khin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Theobald's Kukri Snake

2 photographs of the Theobald's Kukri Snake. (c) kyaw khin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC).

The Theobald's Kukri Snake (Oligodon theobaldi) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 3 countries.

Family
Colubridae

About the Theobald's Kukri Snake

Oligodon theobaldi, commonly known as the Mandalay kukri snake or Theobald's kukri snake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to Asia.

Etymology

The specific name, theobaldi, is in honor of British herpetologist William Theobald.

Geographic range

O. theobaldi is found in Bangladesh, India (Assam), Myanmar (formerly called Burma), and Thailand.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of O. theobaldi is forest, at altitudes of 220–680 m (720–2,230 ft).

Description

O. theobaldi may attain a snout-vent length (SVL) of 39 cm (15 in). Its coloration resembles that of a garter snake.

Reproduction

O. theobaldi is oviparous.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Theobald's Kukri Snake

Is the Theobald's Kukri Snake venomous?
No. The Theobald's Kukri Snake (Oligodon theobaldi) 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 Theobald's Kukri Snake poisonous?
Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Theobald's Kukri Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
Is the Theobald's Kukri Snake dangerous?
The Theobald'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 Theobald's Kukri Snake live?
The Theobald's Kukri Snake has verified records in 3 countries, including Myanmar, Congo, Democratic Republic of the, India. See the distribution section below for its full range.
Why is it called the Theobald's Kukri Snake?
The specific name, theobaldi, is in honor of British herpetologist William Theobald.

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 theobaldi

Keep learning

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