Psammodynastes pulverulentus pulverulentus

(Boie, 1827)

Vernacular names
English : Common mock viper
French : Fausse vipère

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Pseudaspididae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known.

Identification
Slender body, triangular head and vertical pupil. Coloration very variable, from dark brown to almost orange-brown with black speckles and longitudinal bands. Elongated markings on top of head.

Range and habitat
Subspecies found from north India and Nepal to south China, Indonesia and Philippines. Occurs in lowland and hilly forests, forest edges, even near human settlements.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species’ presence is linked to forests and wooded areas. It suffers locally from habitat loss (conversion for agriculture). Locally caught for trade, not well bred under human care.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

Back to “Ratsnakes and other colubrids” page