Checkered Keelback

The checkered keelback is an extremely common, semi-aquatic colubrid found throughout South and Southeast Asia, closely associated with wetlands, rice paddies, and slow-moving water bodies. It is one of the most frequently encountered snakes in these regions.

It is non-venomous and considered harmless to humans, though it can put on a vigorous defensive display when cornered.

Its abundance and tolerance for human-modified wetland habitats make it a familiar species across much of its wide range.

The dorsal pattern typically consists of a checkerboard-like arrangement of dark squarish blotches on an olive, brown, or grayish background.

• Strongly keeled dorsal scales, giving a rough texture
• Moderately robust, semi-aquatic body
• Round pupils
• Head modestly distinct from the neck
• Adults typically reach 0.7-1.3 m

This species is closely tied to freshwater habitats including rice paddies, ponds, marshes, ditches, and slow-flowing streams across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and southern China, often in close proximity to human agricultural activity.

The checkered keelback is active by day and dusk and is a strong swimmer, frequently seen foraging in and around water. When threatened, it may flatten its body, hiss, and strike, appearing more aggressive than its actual risk to humans would suggest.

It feeds primarily on frogs and fish, and to a lesser extent on other small aquatic prey. It is oviparous, laying clutches of numerous eggs, sometimes exceeding 20, in suitable moist sites.