Condanarus Sand Snake

Psammophis condanarus

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Identification

Slender bodied snake having smooth scales. Head is slightly broader than neck and tapered at front. Distinct ridges can be observed between top and side of the head. Eyes are large with round pupil. Long tail. Pale brown or light olive in color usually with five-black edged dark brown stripes that start at head and run along the length of the body. Belly is yellowish white. Outer edge of each belly scale edged with black.

Scalation

Scales in 17:17:15 or 13 rows. Ventrals 165-179, rounded; anal divided; subcaudals: males 85-93; females 75-85, paired. Supralabials 8 (4^th and 5^th touching eye); elongate loreal; preocular 1; postoculars 2; temporals 1+2. Frontal distinctly longer then its distance from end of snout; anterior end not twice as broad as middle. Maxillary teeth 12 or 13; middle 2 enlarged with distinct interval in front, but not always behind; last two enlarged, grooved and pointed backward.

Habitat and Reproduction:

They are found in sand. A good climber, often seen on trees. Inhabits stony area, arid deciduous scrub forest. Eats frogs, lizards, skinks, small rodents. Condanarus sand snake is oviparous and female lays eggs.

Bite and Venom:

Venom is considered mild not effective to human.

Distribution:

This species is recorded from Uttaranchal, Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal. A lone record was from Bandipur National Park, Karnataka but needs confirmation. Recently its presence was recorded from Chhattisgarh. Also have records from Pakistan and Nepal. Not found above 1830m from sea level.

Threats:                                                                            

 

The species is resident of forests and therefore destruction of forests poses serious threat to this species. 

Important Tags

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Condanarus Sand SnakeColubridae Psammophis condanarus