Rosebelly Worm-eating Snake ( Trachischium guentheri Boulenger, 1890 )

Rosebelly Worm-eating Snake ( Trachischium guentheri Boulenger, 1890 )


Scientific Name:
Trachischium guentheri (Boulenger, 1890)
Regional Names:
English:
Gunther’s Worm-eating Snake

Distribution:
Family:
Natricidae
Characteristics for identification:

This species can be identified by checking 1) Dark brown or reddish-brown dorsal. 2) Coral red belly. 3) Single prefrontal scale.
Description:

Maximum length- 52.5cm.

Dorsal body-
Body cylindrical with shiny smooth scales of same size. Dorsal colour dark brown or reddish-brown with or without dark or faint longitudinal stripes.

Ventral body -
Belly color coral red which is more prominently on posterior half.

Head -
Head depressed on snout; not broader than neck. Upper lip color brown or lighter than rest of head. Eyes with rounded pupil. Young individuals bear a yellow collar in faint form.

Tail -
Short length tail ends with conical tip.
Hide Scalation
Head:
Supralabial 6; 3rd & 4th in contact with eyes; preocular 1; loreal 1, postocular 1; temporal 1+2.
Dorsal:
Smooth scales in 13: 13: 13 rows without apical pits.
Ventral:
132-154; anal undivided.
Sub Caudal:
30-43; paired.
Habitat:
Found in high elevation zones of Himalayan foothills. Lives in moist deciduous forests.
Diet:
Feeds on earthworms and insects.
Hide Look Alike
Yellow-Belly Worm-Eating Snake
Mountain Worm-Eating Snake
Black-Belly Worm-Eating Snake
Blyth's Reticulate Snake