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Text and photos by Nick Baker, unless otherwise stated

 EcologyAsia 2008
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Schmidt's Reed Snake
   



Family : COLUBRIDAE
Subfamily : Calamariinae
Species : Calamaria schmidti
Maximum Size : 50 cm ?

References : H3
 

There are around 56 recognised species of Calamaria, a genus of Reed Snake. These are burrowing snakes, as evidenced by their cylindrical body cross-section and streamlined head shape, and are thus rarely seen.

Reed Snakes inhabit damp forest floors, only emerging from their burrows or from under rotting logs at night. They feed mainly on earthworms and other soft-bodied invertebrates, and lay their eggs under the soil.

 
   

The species illustrated here was found near the headquarters of Mount Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, Borneo at an elevation of 1500 metres. Its beautiful, iridescent colouration is apparent under a camera's flashlight.