Golden Kukri Snake (non-venomous)

Description: A small stocky snake, with a maximum total length of about 61 cm. Back reddish-brown, with faint, irregular, black mottling or transverse bands scattered densely all down the body, and less so on the tail. Scales smooth. Head not distinct from neck, and unlike that of Oligodon formosanus is without markings. Ventrals light pink. Tail rather short and blunt-tipped. Hatchlings have dark transverse bands on the body.

Habits and habitat: A snake of damp or dry open areas, particularly grassland and shrubland, and on the edge of woodland. Occurs up to an altitude of 700 m. Sometimes seen inside catchwaters. Seems to be diurnal. A gentle snake, but when caught will defecate in self-defence and coil its body into a tight spiral loop. Little is known of its habits. Is called Kukri Snake because its enlarged rear teeth resemble in shape the "kukri" knives used by Gurkha troops.

Diet: Feeds on spiders and insects such as crickets.

Reproduction: Oviparous. Lays 3-5 eggs.

Distribution: Generally quite uncommon in Hong Kong. Present in the New Territories, Lantau Island and Hong Kong Island. Not recorded from small islands. Found in southern China including Hainan.

Diagnostic features: Back reddish-brown; with irregular, black mottling; scales smooth; ventrals rosy-pink; tail short.