South Indian Herpetofauna - Recently Updated Pages

AGAMIDAE

snakeranglerr — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:30:26 CST

This family of lizards are mainly diurnal. They are medium sized lizards, attaining a length of 1.5 ft, being the largest. Most agamids are highly ornamental, with very good colouration. South Indian agamids are oviparous. Most are sexually dimorphic, with males being more prominent, colourful and large than females. Five genera occur in southern India. An * indicates endemic species.

Calotes CUVIER, 1817
This species-rich, widespread genus is one of the best known and typical representatives of the family. The genus is characterized by the presence of evident dorsal crest, long tail length and arboreal Most are keeled and a few may be smooth. Most Calotine lizards are endemic to Western Ghats, mainly in the wet, forested hill tracts. The following species occur in southern India.
Calotes calotes (LINNAEUS, 1758)
C. versicolor (DAUDIN, 1802)
C. ellioti* GÜNTHER, 1864
C. rouxii* DUMÉRIL & BIBRON, 1837
C. nemoricola* JERDON, 1853
C. grandisquamis* GÜNTHER, 1875
C. aurantolabium* KRISHNAN, 2008

Salea GRAY, 1845
This genus of arboreal, montane lizards is endemic to high elevation montane forests of Western Ghats. These lizards are sexually dimorphic, with males differing from females in appearance. They are medium sized lizards and are commonly known as ‘Spiny lizards’ due to their spiny dorsal crest and imbricate body scales. They are strictly hill species, inhabiting hilly terrain and forests, on trees and shrubs. Two species are known.
Salea horsfieldii* GRAY, 1845
S. anamallayana* BEDDOME, 1878

Sitana CUVIER, 1844
This genus has only one, widespread species of agamid that is found only in the dry rocky or sandy country throughout the peninsula. It is often reported to live and nest, in cactus sedges and other sparse vegetation. A terrestrial species, it is very agile and moves on hot surfaces with astonishing speed and ease. The males, especially the large, territorial males develop a blue tinge in throat fan. The fan, is the dermal appendage or dew flap found in this species and thus the name ‘Fan throated lizard’.
Sitana ponticeriana CUVIER, 1844

Draco LINNAEUS, 1758
This genus is represented by only one south Indian species, which is a small, strictly arboreal species that is found in bare tree trunks. It is endemic to the forested hills of Eastern & Western Ghats. This agmid is a cryptically coloured species, whose grey-brown colour merges with bark of trees. It can be easily identified by the presence of patagia / wing-like membrane on either sides of their trunk, and a yello coloured dew flap on throat.
Draco dussumieri* DUMÉRIL & BIBRON, 1837

Psammophilus FITZINGER, 1843
This genus of agamids are commonly called ‘Rock lizards’, due to their squat build and terrestrial habits. These lizards are found in rocky caves and associated formations and rarely on shrubs. It is distributed throughout the peninsula. This genus comprises of 2 species in southern India, which are found in plains and hills that are predominantly dry. The former species is predominantly distributed in the south, while the latter, in the east. The former species is larger and thus can be told apart.
Psammophilus dorsalis* (GRAY, 1831)
Psammophilus blandfordanus* (STOLICZKA, 1871)

Otocryptis WAGLER, 1830
This genus is endemic to Ceylonese-Malabar sub region. Only one species, is distributed in the hill forests of southern Western Ghats (8’N & 9’N lat.). It is an endemic species. This species is small, terrestrial creature that is found in leaf-litter and forest floor among the highly complex forest floor vegetation. Males differ from female.
Otocryptis beddomii* BOULENGER, 1885

CONTACT US

snakeranglerr — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:26:31 CST

We have the pleasure of designing and creating this web page. Your valuable suggestions and comments are welcome. Contact us at:

S.R. Ganesh and S.R. Chandramouli
Department of Zoology, Division of Wildlife biology,
A.V.C College (Autonomous),
Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai 609 305,
Tamil Nadu, India.

years: 2006-2009.

e-mail us at;
snakeranglerr@gmail.com and findthesnakeman@gmail.com

ASSOCIATED INSTITUTIONS / ORGANISATIONS : (alphabetically)

1. Agumbe Rainforest Research Station (ARRS).
2. Asian Nature Conservation Foundation (ANCF)
3. Chennai Snake Park.
4. Madras Crocodile Bank.
5. Thiruvananthapuram Zoological Park and Museum
6. Wildlife Association of Rajapalayam (WAR).

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

(in peer-reviewed journals)
S.R.Chandramouli. 2009. Status and microhabitat preference of Otocryptis beddomii Boulenger, 1885 (Reptilia: Agamidae) in Ponmudi Hills, Western Ghats, Kerala, India. Taprobanica 1(2): 107-110, pl.1.
S.R.Chandramouli. 2009. An aberrant specimen of Calotes grandisquamis Gunther, 1875 (Reptilia: Agamidae) with comments on its altitudinal distribution. Taprobanica 1 (2): 111-114.
S.R. Ganesh, S.R. Chandramouli & S.L. Edward. 2007. A study on Herpetofaunal Assemblages in the rainforests of Western Ghats, Karnataka, India. J. Sci. Trans. Environ. Technov. 1(2): 95 - 103

(in Magazines/ Newsletters)
S.R. Ganesh, S. Asokan & P. Kannan. 2009. Record of Oligodon travancoricus Beddome, 1877 (Serpentes, Colubridae) from Grizzled Giant Squirrel Sanctuary, Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India. Herpetological Bulletin 109: 25-28.
P. Gowrishankar & S.R. Ganesh. 2009. Sighting record and range extension of Calliophis (=Callophis) bibroni Jan, 1858 (Reptilia, Squamata, Serpentes, Elapidae). Herpetological Bulletin 108: 10-13.
S.R.Ganesh & P. Gowrishankar. 2009. Range extension of Kaestlea beddomii (Boulenger, 1887) (in part) (Reptilia: Sauria: Scincidae). Herpetological Bulletin 107: 12-15.
S.R. Ganesh, S. Asokan & P. Kannan. 2008. Record length of large scaled pit viper (Trimeresurus macrolepis) Bedddome, 1862 with notes on its ecological and conservational significance. Cobra 2(3): 18-22.
S.R. Ganesh, S. Asokan & P. Kannan. 2008. A Preliminary survey of Reptiles and Amphibians in Cardamom hills, Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu. Cobra 2(2): 1-9.
S.R. Ganesh & S.R. Chandramouli. 2007. A Study of Herpetofaunal Community in Mannampandal, Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu. Cobra 1(4): 33 - 43.
S.R. Ganesh. 2006. Record of Common Bridal Snake (Dryocalamus nympha, (Daudin, 1803) in Mayiladuthurai area of Tamil Nadu. Cobra 1(3): 10 - 11.
S.R. Ganesh, S.R. Chandramouli & S.L. Edward. 2006. Herpetofaunal Survey at Agumbe, Karnataka. Cobra Vol 64: 7 - 10.
S.R. Ganesh, S.R. Chandramouli & S.L. Edward. 2005. Reptilian Fauna in and around Korattur Lake. Cobra Vol 60: 6 - 12.

COMING UP !
Further materials of rare species- Hemidactylus scabriceps (accepted); Enhydris dussumieri (submitted)
Polymorphism/ Aberrations - lots of plains species! (submitted)
Record length of two, 'Group 7' Colubrids (submitted)
Studies on Ophiophagus hannah in Agumbe (in prep.)

Agamid photos I

snakeranglerr — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 02:57:16 CST

Microhylid photos

snakeranglerr — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 07:27:15 CST

BUFONIDAE

snakeranglerr — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:58:06 CST

Toads can be very easily identified by the presence of warty skin, which give them a dry appearance, unlike the frogs. Toads are more inclined to live and forage on land and do not venture freely into water like frogs do. The toads are comparatively heavy and slow moving. Therefore they have developed some anti-predatory defense mechanisms. The toads have a paratoid gland on the supra-tympanic region, which secretes poison potent enough to defend itself from would-be predators. Three genera Ansonia, Pedostibes and Bufo occur. An * indicates endemic species.

The genus Ansonia STOLICZKA, 1870 is small sized toads that have a colourful underside, a defensive colouration to warn predators. This toad lacks cranial ridges and paratoid glands. They are commonly called torrent toads. Two species occur in southern India. Recently one more species has been described from Maharashtra.

Ansonia ornata* GÜNTHER, 1875
Ansonia rubiginia* PILLAI and PATTABIRAMAN, 1981

The genus Pedostibes GÜNTHER, 1875 constitutes the tree toad, and is called so due to its arboreal character. One species occur in southern India, it is endemic to Western Ghats below Goa gap (14’N lat.)
Pedostibes tuberculosus* GÜNTHER, 1875

The genus Bufo LAURENTI, 1768 (=Duttaphrynus FROST, D.R., GRANT, T., FAIVOVICH, J., BAIN, H.R., HASS, A., HADDAD, C.F.B., DE SÁ, R.O., CHANNING, A., WILKINSON, M., DONNELLAN, S.C., RAXWORTHY, C.J., CAMPBELL, J.A., BLOTTO, B.L., MOLER, P., DREWES, R.C., NUSSBAUM, R.A., LYNCH, J.D., GREEN, D.M. & WHEELER, W.C., 2006) comprises of the true toads or typical toads. It is a widespread genus of which several species are known. But the validity for most species is still under question, due to lack of further collections after the holotype or a stabilized paratype. This plight holds true for more than half the species that are endemic to Western Ghats. Precise specimens have been obtained for endemic species like B. beddomii, B. parietalis & B. microtympanum. Others need to be revised & re-validated.

Bufo beddomii* GÜNTHER, 1875
B. melanostictus SCHNEIDER, 1799
B. brevirostris* RAO, 1937
B. hololius* GÜNTHER, 1875
B. koynaensis* SOMAN, 1963
B. microtympanum* BOULENGER, 1882
B. parietalis BOULENGER, 1882
B. scaber (= fergusonii) BOULENGER, 1892
B. silentvalleyensis* PILLAI, 1982
B. stomaticus LÜTKEN, 1862

UROPELTIDAE

snakeranglerr — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:17:40 CDT

This family of snakes is very special as they are very much restricted in distribution. Most of the members are known to occur in the Western ghats, and some also extend their range upto Eastern ghats and even Sri Lanka. They are so called because of their rough, blunt tails, which is a characteristic feature of one of the genus. These snakes are small, slender burrowing forms which prefer evergreen and montane forests at higher elevation. They are nocturnal and feed on small insects and worms. Shiedtail snakes are viviparous and produce live young. The following species are found in Southern India.

Melanophidium bilineatum BEDDOME, 1870
Melanophidium punctatum BEDDOME, 1871
Melanophidium wynaudense BEDDOME, 1863

Platyplectrurus madurensis BEDDOME, 1877
Platyplectrurus trilineatus BEDDOME, 1867

Teretrurus sanguineus (BEDDOME, 1867)

Brachiophidium rhodogastor WALL, 1921

Plectrurus aureus BEDDOME, 1880
Plectrurus canaricus BEDDOME, 1870
Plectrurus guentheri BEDDOME, 1863
Plectrurus perrotetii DUMÉRIL & BIBRON, 1854

Uropeltis ellioti (GRAY, 1858) Uropeltis nitida (BEDDOME, 1878)
Uropeltis ocellata (BEDDOME, 1863)
Uropeltis dindighalensis (BEDDOME, 1877)
Uropeltis beddomii (GÜNTHER, 1862)
Uropeltis macrorhyncha (BEDDOME, 1877)
Uropeltis woodmasoni (THEOBALD, 1876)
Uropeltis ceylanica (CUVIER, 1829)
Uropeltis arcticeps (GÜNTHER, 1875)
Uropeltis rubromaculata (BEDDOME, 1867)
Uropeltis rubrolineatus (GÜNTHER, 1875)
Uropeltis phipsoni (MASON, 1888)
Uropeltis myhendrae (BEDDOME, 1886)
Uropeltis broughami (BEDDOME, 1878)
Uropeltis maculata (BEDDOME, 1878)
Uropeltis petersi (BEDDOME, 1878)
Uropeltis liura (GÜNTHER, 1875)
Uropeltis pulneyensis (BEDDOME, 1863)
Uropeltis smithi (BEDDOME, 1867)

Rhinophis sanguineus BEDDOME, 1863
Rhinophis fergusonianus BOULENGER, 1896
Rhinophis travancoricus BOULENGER, 1892

NYCTIBATRACHIDAE

snakeranglerr — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:42:45 CDT

Nyctibatrachus BOULENGER, 1882

This genus of frogs is commonly known as ‘Wrinkled frog’, because of the wrinkled appearance of the skin. Ten species are found in this genus, all of which are endemic to Western Ghats. These frogs are aquatic in nature and are found in hill streams and dense shady riparian vegetation almost always in water and never far from it.
Nyctibatrachus aliciae INGER, SHAFFER, KOSHY & BAKDE, 1984
N. beddomei (BOULENGER, 1882)
N. deccanensis DUBOIS, 1984
N. humayuni BHADURI & KRIPALANI, 1955
N. karnatakaensis DINESH, RADHAKRISHNAN, REDDY & GURURAJA, 2007
N. kempholeyensis (RAO, 1937)
N. major BOULENGER, 1882
N. minor INGER, SHAFFER, KOSHY & BAKDE, 1984
N. petraeus DAS & KUNTE, 2005
N. sanctipalustris RAO, 1920
N. sylvaticus RAO, 1937
N. vasanthi RAVICHANDRAN, 1997
N. sholai RACHAKRISHNAN, DINESH & RAVICHANDRAN, 2007
N. minimus BIJU, BOXLACER, GIRI, ROELANTS, NAGARAJU & BOSSUYT, 2007
N. dattatreyaensis DINESH, RADHAKRISHNAN & BHATTA, 2008

Rhacophorid photos I

snakeranglerr — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 06:11:00 CDT

Elapid photos

snakeranglerr — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:01:43 CDT

Gekkonid photos I

snakeranglerr — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 07:48:52 CDT

VIPERIDAE

snakeranglerr — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:44:19 CDT

This family consists of front fanged venomous snakes called vipers. These snakes are characterized by strongly curved retractile fangs, distinct triangular head, presence of small scales on top of the head (in most species) and, shorter tail. In southern India, two sub families occur. These creatures are predominantly nocturnal and are active mainly in rainy nights. The pit-less vipers / true vipers (sub family: Viperinae) are represented by 2 species in south India; the pit-vipers (sub family: Crotalinae) is represented by 6 species. The true vipers are typical inhabitants of open rocky, sandy and thin scrub outcrops in drier plains country. The pit vipers are hill species, which require cool climate, dense undergrowth and hilly terrain. The chief prey species of these vipers are small mammals, nestling birds, lizards & frogs. The south Indian forms are ovoviviparous (as are most) and the young are born in a caul, a thin membranous covering. Most species have very slow speed of locomotion but when defending they are extremely agile by nature. Viperids have primarily haemotoxic venom. Unlike the highly venomous true vipers, the pit-viper bites are not that serious / life-threatening to man. The following species occur in southern India. An * indicates endemic species.

Daboia russellii (SHAW, 1797)
Echis carinatus (SCHNEIDER,1801)

Sub family: Crotalinae
Hypnale hypnale (MERREM, 1820)
Trimeresurus macrolepis* (BEDDOME, 1862)
T. malabaricus* (JERDON, 1854)
T. gramineus* (SHAW, 1802)
T. strigatus* GRAY, 1842
Tropidolaemus huttoni* (SMITH, 1949)

Colubrid photos IV

snakeranglerr — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:38:23 CDT

Agamid photos II

snakeranglerr — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:15:21 CDT

GEKKONIDAE

snakeranglerr — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:48:20 CDT

This family of lizards is one of the most widespread, globally occurring lizards. Geckos are mainly nocturnal, but one genus comprises of diurnal geckos. They are small to medium sized lizards the largest of which measure < 1 ft. Most geckos are highly vocal, with very good calling ability. South Indian geckos are oviparous and most species lay 2 eggs. Communal nesting has been frequently recorded in some species. Five genera occur in southern India. An * indicates endemic species.

Hemidactylus OKEN, 1817
This species-rich, widespread genus is one of the best known and typical representatives of the family. The genus is characterized by the presence of broad, oval sheaths present in the terminal phalanges of the digits. The skin may be smooth, coarse or granulated, depending upon the species. Several species of this genus are found mainly in the rocky, hill tracts covered with dry, sparse forest country. Species richness in Hemidactylus geckos is very high in places like Eastern Ghats & northern Western Ghats. The following species occur in southern India.
Hemidactylus aaronbaurei GIRI, 2008
H. anamallensis * GÜNTHER, 1875
H. frenatus DUMÉRIL & BIBRON, 1836
H. brookii GRAY, 1845
H. triedrus (DAUDIN, 1802)
H. leschenaultii DUMÉRIL & BIBRON, 1836
H. giganteus* STOLICZA, 1871
H. maculatus DUMÉRIL & BIBRON, 1836
H. reticulatus* BEDDOME, 1970
H. prashadi* SMITH, 1953
H. scabriceps (ANNANDALE, 1906)
H. sataraensis GIRI & BAUER, 2008
H. subtriedrus JERDON, 1853
H. treutleri MAHONY, 2009

Cnemaspis STRAUCH, 1887
This genus of small geckos, are commonly known as ‘Day gecko’ due to their diurnal habits or ‘Dwarf geckos’ due to their small size. They all have slender, digits & round pupil. They are strictly hill species, inhabiting hilly terrain and forests. These geckos are partial to rocks and caves in hill forest country. Several species are known, all but one species are restricted to Western Ghats. Several species are being currently described.
Cnemaspis indica* GRAY, 1846
C. littoralis* (JERDON, 1854)
C. heteropholis* BAUER, 2002
C. nairi* INGER, MARX & KOSHY, 1984
C. tropidogaster BOULENGER, 1885
C. mysoriensis* (JERDON, 1853)
C. beddomei* (THEOBALD, 1876)
C. siparensis* (BEDDOME, 1870)
C. australis* MANAMENDRA-ARACHCHI, BATUWITA & PETHIYAGODA, 2007
C. monticola* MANAMENDRA-ARACHCHI, BATUWITA & PETHIYAGODA, 2007
C. goaensis* SHARMA, 1976
C. nilgirica* MANAMENDRA-ARACHCHI, BATUWITA & PETHIYAGODA, 2007
C. ornatus* (BEDDOME, 1870)
C. otai* DAS & BAUER, 2000
C. indranieldasi* BAUER, 2002
C. wynaadensis* (BEDDOME, 1870)
C. yercadensis* DAS & BAUER, 2000
C. kolhapurensis GIRI, BAUER & GAIKWAD, 2009

Calodactylodes BEDDOME, 1870
This genus has only one, rare species of gecko that is found only in the rocky ravine country in Eastern Ghats & north Western Ghats. This species is often reported to live and nest communally, in large numbers in caves and rock formations. The males, especially the large, territorial males are golden yellow and thus the name ‘Golden gecko’.
Calodactylodes aureus* BEDDOME, 1870

Gehyra GRAY, 1834
This genus is represented by a single species which is known to be distributed in an uneven manner in most psrts of the country . An oceanic gecko distributed in some parts of Southeast Asia. In Southern India, it is known from South Kerala, especially in Thiruvananthapuram district. In this region, it also occurs in human habitation. It can be identified by the presence of four claws in the limbs, with the first digit lacking the claw.
Gehyra mutilata (WEIGMAN, 1835)

Hemiphyllodactylus BLEEKER, 1860
This genus, represented by only one south Indian species, is a small, gecko found in rocky hills of Eastern & southern Western Ghats. This gecko is a slender, short-limbed species that is grayish brown. It can be easily identified by the orange-red underside.
Hemiphyllodactylus aurantiacus* (BEDDOME, 1870)

Geckoella
This genus of geckos are commonly called ‘Ground gecko’, due to their squat build and terrestrial habits. These geckos are characterized by thin, slender digits, similar to Cnemaspis geckos, but have vertically elliptical pupil and are nocturnal. This genus comprises of 3 species in southern India. Most are found in low hills and / or foothills.
Geckoella collegalensis* (BEDDOME, 1870)
Geckoella nebulosus* (BEDDOME, 1870)
Geckoella albofasciata* (BOULENGER, 1885)

Gekkonid photos II

snakeranglerr — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 03:42:07 CDT

Scincid photos II

snakeranglerr — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 03:22:56 CDT

SCINCIDAE

snakeranglerr — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 03:22:02 CDT

Eutropis (formerly Mabuya)
This species-rich, widespread genus is one of the best known and typical representatives of the family. The genus is characterized by the presence of window shields in the eye-lids and by the presence of 3 – 5 keels in one scale (dorsal body scale), evident pair of limbs and long tail. Almost all south Indian skinks are widespread. The following species occur in southern India.
Eutropis carinata (SCHNEIDER, 1801)
E. macularia (JERDON, 1780)
E. beddomei (JERDON, 1870)
E. clivicola INGER, SHAFFER, KOSHY & BAKDE, 1984
E. trivittata* (HARDWICKE &GRAY, 1827)
E. bibroni (DUMÉRIL & BIBRON, 1839)
E. gansi* (DAS, 1991)

Lygosoma
This genus comprises of two species, which are thin, semi-fossorial and smooth skinks that are small in size. Their shiny body and slender limbs make them easy to identify. These skinks are widespread in both plains and hills. Four species are known.
Lygosoma punctata (GMELIN, 799)
Lygosoma albopunctata (GRAY, 1846)
Lygosoma lineata (THEOBALD, 1869)
Lygosoma guentheri? (GRAY, 1831)

Ristella
This genus comprises skinks that are endemic to Western Ghats. Four species are currently known. All these skinks are blackish, brown in colour with some white dots. They are small, slender in build and have minute limbs, indicative of their fossorial habits. These skinks are characterized by presence of 2-3 keels per scale (dorsal body scale). These skinks are very special in having retractile claws and are therefore commonly known as ‘Cat skinks’.
Ristella beddomi* BOULENGER, 1887
R. rurkii* GRAY, 1839
R. travancorica* BEDDOME, 1871
R. guentheri* BOULENGER, 1887

Kaestlea (formerly Scincella)
These skinks are commonly called ‘Ground skinks’. They are shiny in appearance and are smooth, without any keels. They are semi-fossorial skinks that are endemic to high-elevation montane regions of Western Ghats. Four species are known, each of which are more or less peculiar to certain hill ranges in southern Western Ghats.
Kaestlea laterimaculatum* (BOULENGER, 1887)
K. palnica* (BOETTGER, 1892)
K. bilineatum* (GRAY, 1846) K. beddomei (BOULENGER, 1887)
K. travancoricum* (BEDDOME, 1870)

Dasia (GRAY, 1980)
These skinks are the only arboreal members of the family, in India. They are commonly called ‘Tree skinks’. They are large skinks that may be olivaceous or greenish in colour, with blackish stripes or bars. Two species are known, of which one is endemic and the other is also found in Sri Lanka. These skinks are primarily arboreal lizards that are restricted to hilly forested tracts of southern Western Ghats, being found only in 9'N & 8'N blocks.
Dasia subcaerulea* (BOULENGER, 1891)
Dasia haliana (HALY & NEVILL, 1887)

Sphenomorphus FITZINGER, 1843
These lizards are commonly called ‘Litter skinks’. They are medium sized lizards that are ground dwelling, and are commonly seen in forest floor or in open forest sides, in and around the wet forests and plantation’s vicinity. Only one species is known from southern India and is known from southern reaches of Western Ghats.
Sphenomorphus dussumieri* (DUMÉRIL & BIBRON, 1839)

Chalcides LAURENTI, 1768
This very little known and obscure skink is known from one south Indian species Chalcides pentadactylus (BEDDOME, 1870), reportedly known from Beypore, a coastal place in Calicut district of Kerala state. The type has been lost and is currently of uncertain position. Very recently, its congener C. ocellatus FORSKAL, 1775 (known from Punjab) was reported from Sri Lanka, but yet its distribution and status remain unequivocal.

Sepsophis and Barkudia
These genera include the rare and little known limbless lizards, one of which has recently been rediscovered after 137 years.
Sepsophis punctatus BEDDOME, 1870

Barkudia insularis ANNANDALE, 1817
B. melanosticta (SCHNEIDER, 1801)

ELAPIDAE

snakeranglerr — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 05:36:01 CDT

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)

TYPHLOPIDAE

snakeranglerr — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 05:34:33 CDT

Snakes of this family are peculiar in appearance and closely resemble worms than snakes; and hence, called worm snakes or thread snakes. They are very slender-bodied and smooth-scaled. Usually, the eyes of these snakes are covered by special type of scales called the “Ocular” scales, which are not found in most of the other snakes. Tail is short and blunt, and almost resembles the head. All the members of this family are fossorial in habit and are excellent burrowers. They feed on small insects and earthworms. One member, Ramphotyphlops brahminus is said to be parthenogenetic in reproduction, which means, the females produce self-fertilized eggs and there are no males. These snakes belong to different genera as listed below. An * indicates endemic species.

Ramphotyphlops brahminus (DAUDIN, 1803)
Typhlops porrectus (DAUDIN, 1803)
Typhlops thurstoni* BOETTGER, 1890
Typhlops tindalli* SMITH, 1943
Typhlops beddomei* BOULENGER, 1890
Gryptotyphlops acutus DUMÉRIL & BIBRON, 1844