Hebius khasiensis explained

Hebius khasiensis, commonly known as the Khasi Hills keelback or Khasi keelback, is a species of colubrid snake endemic to southeastern Asia.

Geographic range

It is found in parts of southern China (Tibet, Yunnan), eastern India (Assam), Thailand,^[1] Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Description

It is a reddish-brown snake with a white transverse bar running across the supralabial scales.

The dorsal scales are in 19 rows, rather strongly keeled, except for the smooth outer row. The ventrals number 150–154, the subcaudals 80–100. The anal plate is divided.

Adults are about 60 cm (23½ in.) total length, of which about 19 cm (7½ in.) is tail.^[2]

Diet

The Khasi Hills keelback's nutritional intake consists primarily of toads.

Further reading

• Boulenger, G.A. 1890. The Fauna of British India, Including Ceylon and Burma. Reptilia and Batrachia. Secretary of State for India in Council. (Taylor & Francis, Printers). London. xviii + 541 pp. (Tropidonotus khasiensis, p. 344.)

Notes and References

1. Web site: Amphiesma khasiense. Centre for Herpetology, Madras Crocodile Bank Trust. 19 January 2014.
2. [George Albert Boulenger|Boulenger, G.A.]