Fig 1
Fig 2
Fig 3
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Family : ELAPIDAE
Species : Calliophis intestinalis
Maximum Size : 50 cm
This small species has a
powerful neurotoxic venom and should be approached with care. It inhabits
forests areas, and sometimes overgrown areas of parks and gardens. It is
ground dwelling, and feeds mainly on other snakes, particularly the tiny
Brahminy Blind Snake.
It can be identified by
the reddish-orange vertebral stripe, and the red tail. On
either side there is a pale lateral stripe. When threatened, the snake turns
over to reveal the underside, which is dramatically patterned in
black and white.
As of 2019, 7 subspecies are recognised.
The species is found in
southern Thailand, the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, Java, Sumatra, Borneo and
the Philippines.
Figs 1 to 3 : These three images are of an example of the subspecies Calliophis
intestinalis lineata found in a leafy, suburban
part of Singapore. Figure 3 is of the strikingly patterned
underside.
Fig 4 : Example of subspecies Calliophis intestinalis thepassi
from Brunei, Borneo. It lacks reddish stripes along the body. Thanks to Andreina
Goodfellow for sharing this image.
References :
Cox, van Dijk, Nabhitabhata, Thirakhupt, 1998. A photographic Guide to
Snakes and Other Reptiles of Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and
Thailand. New Holland.
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