Smith's mountain keelback explained
Smith's mountain keelback (Opisthotropis spenceri), also known commonly as Spencer's stream snake,[1] is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to Thailand.
Etymology
The specific name, spenceri, is in honor of Mr. F.D. Spencer who collected the type specimen.[2]
Habitat
The preferred natural habitat of O. spenceri is flowing streams.[1]
Description
O. spenceri may attain a total length (including tail) of 60cm (20inches). Dorsally, it is olive-colored. Ventrally it is yellowish white on the body, with gray mottling on the tail. It has smooth dorsal scales, which are arranged in 17 rows.[3]
Behavior
O. spenceri is aquatic and nocturnal.[1]
Diet
O. spenceri preys upon freshwater shrimp, earthworms, fishes, frogs, and tadpoles.[1]
Reproduction
O. spenceri is oviparous.[1]
Further reading
- Chan-ard T, Parr JWK, Nabhitabhata J (2015). A Field Guide to the Reptiles of Thailand. New York: Oxford University Press. 352 pp. (hardcover), (paperback).
- Chuaynkern Y, Duengkae P, Pongcharoen C, Chuaynkern C, Horsin L (2014). "Opisthotropis spenceri SMITH, 1918 (SERPENTES: NATRICIDAE): THE THIRD AND FOURTH SPECIMENS". Journal of Wildlife in Thailand 21 (1): 1–14.
- Smith MA (1918). "Description of a New Snake (Opisthotropis spenceri) from Siam". Journal of the Natural History Society of Siam 3 (1): 13 + plate.
Notes and References
- www.reptile-database.org.
- [Richard Allen "Bo" Crombet-Beolens|Beolens B]
- [Malcolm Arthur Smith|Smith MA]
