Oligodon sublineatus
| Oligodon sublineatus | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Oligodon |
| Species: | O. sublineatus
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| Binomial name | |
| Oligodon sublineatus | |
Oligodon sublineatus, commonly known as Dumeril's kukri snake[1][2] is a species of rear-fanged kukri snake found in Sri Lanka.[3]
Description[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
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.
References[edit]
- ^ a b Wickramasinghe, L.J.M. (2021). "Oligodon sublineatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T177419A123304988.
- ^ Oligodon sublineatus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 26 August 2015.
- ^ "Systematics and Ecology of Oligodon sublineatus Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854, An Endemic Snake of Sri Lanka, including the Designation of A Lectotype". Novataxa. 5 September 2015. Retrieved 3 February 2019.