Banded Kukri Snake
Oligodon fasciolatus
A harmless, boldly banded egg-eating colubrid found across Southeast Asian lowlands.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.9 m (1.3-3 ft)
- Range
- Southeast Asia
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Overview
The Banded Kukri Snake is a small to medium colubrid found across mainland Southeast Asia, notable for its bold dark banding and specialized egg-slitting rear teeth typical of the genus Oligodon. Its striking pattern occasionally leads to confusion with venomous banded species.
It is entirely harmless to humans and, like its relatives, feeds substantially on reptile eggs.
How to identify it
- Reddish-brown to grayish body with well-defined dark bands running along its length
- Smooth dorsal scales
- Rounded head, not distinct from neck, round pupils
- Adults typically 0.4-0.9 m in length
- Smooth scales and small head distinguish it from venomous banded species such as kraits
Habitat & range
Occurs in lowland forests, agricultural fields, and scrublands across Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and neighboring parts of Southeast Asia.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and fossorial to semi-fossorial, sheltering under debris and loose soil by day. It feeds on reptile eggs, small lizards, and occasionally small snakes. It is oviparous, laying small clutches of eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Banded Kukri Snake dangerous?
No, it is harmless to humans despite its bold banded pattern.
What does it eat?
Mainly reptile eggs, small lizards, and occasionally small snakes.
Where is it found?
Across lowland Southeast Asia, in forests, fields, and scrublands.
How can it be told apart from venomous banded snakes?
It has smooth scales, a small non-distinct head, and round pupils, unlike venomous look-alikes.
Banded Kukri Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Banded Kukri Snake.
