Family : PAREIDAE
Species : Pareas margaritophorus
Maximum Size : 47 cm

Slug snakes are small to medium sized forest-dwellers which specialize in feeding on snails,  slugs and other soft-bodied invertebrates such as earthworms. They have specialised fangs on the lower jaw with which they are able to extract snails from their shells. Their heads are blunt, and somewhat wider than their moderately thick bodies.

The White-spotted Slug Snake is one of the smaller species, reaching 47 cm in total length. It is easily identified by the yellow or orange collar, and the grey or brown body which is adorned with scattered black scales, most of which have a white spot anteriorally, and which can form narrow, irregular bars. The underside is pale with dark spots.

This snake is nocturnal in habits and is active on the forest floor or on low vegetation. They are found in lowland and lower montane forests to elevations of around 1500 metres.

The species is widely distributed in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and the northern parts of Peninsular Malaysia. Since 2000 there have been records from Singapore, often as roadkill; at first it was reported from the north of the island, but in later years it appears to be more widespread; it is considered to be accidentally introduced.

Figs 1 and 2 : White-spotted Slug Snake in a rocky stream passing through hill forest (around 600 metres elevation) at Khao Yai National Park, Thailand.  Photos by Leong Tzi Ming.


References :

Baker, N. & K. Lim, (Vertebrate Study Group, Nature Society Singapore), 2008. Wild Animals Of Singapore. Draco Publishing and Distribution Pte. Ltd.

Das, I., 2010. A Field Guide to the Reptiles of South-east Asia. New Holland Publishers (UK) Ltd.