Coelognathus radiatus

(Boie, 1827)

Vernacular names
English : Copperhead rat snake
French : Serpent ratier à tête cuivrée

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Colubridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach over 2 meters in length. Recognizable by the black stripe pattern forming a sort of net on the head. Coloration coppery brown on head, fading to beige on body. Parallel longitudinal black lines on first half of body.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South East Asia, from India and Myanmar to Vietnam, south to Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, Bangka and Java. Lives in forests, woodlands, savanna grasslands, suburban gardens.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a huge range and seems to remain safe although it is locally overharvested for pet trade and local consumption.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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