Homalopsis buccata

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Puff-faced water snake
French : Homalopside joufflu

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

Identification
Adults grow to 1.20 m in length. Long head with broad snout and puffy cheeks, keeled dorsal scales. Coloration dull brown with faint dark grey-beige band, clear belly. Head golden beige with black temporal band, single subocular scale.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South-East Asia, from extreme south Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia to Sumatra, Java, Borneo and possibly Sulawesi. Lives in freshwater rivers, ponds, swamps and forest streams.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a large range although it is a lot less extensive than previously thought. Locally threatened by habitat loss, pollution and poaching.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

Back to “Ratsnakes and other colubrids” page