Platyceps gracilis, commonly known as the graceful racer or slender racer,[1] is a species of snake endemic to West India.
See snake scales for terms usedSnout is obtuse; rostral nearly as deep as broad, just visible from above; suture between the internasals a little shorter than that between the prefrontals; frontal slightly longer than its distance from the end of the snout, nearly as long as the occipitals; loreal nearly as deep as long; one preocular, with a small subocular below 3 two postoculars ; temporals 2+2; 9 upper labials, fifth and sixth entering the eye; 4 or 5 lower labials in contact with the anterior chin-shields; posterior chin-shields as long as or longer than the anterior, separated anteriorly by two scales. Scales smooth, in 21 rows. Ventrals ungulate laterally, 213–228; anal divided; subcaudals 118–121. Yellowish above, with a series of large round brown spots edged with black, separated by narrow interspaces; these spots become more indistinct on the posterior part of the body; a black cross-band on the snout and three angular dark brown black-edged bands on the head, the anterior between the eye, the posterior extending on to the nape; lower parts yellowish, with an irregular series of black spots on each side. Total length 33 inches; tail 10.[2]
P. gracilis is endemic to the West of India, and has been sighted in the states of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. According to observations documented via iNaturalist,[3] the species has been seen in the areas of Dhalewadi, Dhule, Kondhur, Matheran, Mumbai, Pune and Thane (Kalwa) in Maharashtra; in Rajasthan, it is known from Chittorgarh and Udaipur.
. George Albert Boulenger. The Fauna of British India, Including Ceylon and Burma. Reptilia and Batrachia. 1890. Secretary of State for India in Council. (Taylor and Francis, printers). London. xviii + 541 pp. (Zamenis gracilis, p. 327).