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ELAPIDAE - South Indian HerpetofaunaELAPIDAE - South Indian Herpetofauna

Elapids are front fanged venomous snakes, which are characterized by short fixed fangs, stream-lined body, longer tails and egg-laying nature. They are the most renowned groups of venomous snakes, especially in southern India. Several spectacular forms like Cobras, King cobras and highly venomous Kraits and Coral snakes are found in the Elapidae family. They are inclined to live and forage in and around human settlements often entering towns and villages. Therefore they often come into conflict with man. The elapids are rather slim and fast moving venomous snakes, when compared to vipers. Some species have developed remarkable warning / defense mechanisms. The best known of all is its phenomenal ability to flare open the hood, a sign of visual alarm display, demonstrated by the cobras. This will inevitably help it from would-be predators by showing itself larger and more intimidating. All south Indian forms are oviparous and the eggs are laid in any existing hole and guarded by the female. King cobra is unique in constructing a nest, in the form of a pile of leaves and is the only snake known to do so. Some species like kraits, coral snakes and king cobras are primarily snake-eaters. Kraits are widespread throughout south India. The coral snakes are represented by four south Indian species, of which three are endemic to the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats. Kraits and coral snakes are secreative, nocturnal and semi-fossorial snakes that are rarely seen. Cobras and King cobras are more conspicuous snakes, that are large and likley to be seen. In south India, King cobra is found only in the dense forests of Western Ghats. Following species are known from south India. An * indicates endemic species.

Bungarus caerules BOULENGER, 1890

Calliophis melanurus (SHAW, 1802)
C. nigrescens* (GÜNTHER, 1862)
C. beddomei* (SMITH, 1943)
C. bibroni* (JAN, 1858)

Naja naja (LINNAEUS, 1758)

Ophiophagus hannaha (CANTOR, 1836)


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snakeranglerr 		Latest page update: made by snakeranglerr , Aug 18 2009, 6:36 AM EDT (about this update About This Update snakeranglerr Edited by snakeranglerr


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Keyword tags: cobras coral snakes kraits
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