Elliot's Shieldtail
Uropeltis ellioti
A small, burrowing shieldtail snake endemic to the Western Ghats, named for its distinctive hardened tail tip used for burrowing.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.2-0.35 m (8-14 in)
- Range
- Western Ghats of southern India
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Overview
Elliot's Shieldtail is one of many burrowing shieldtail snakes endemic to the biodiverse Western Ghats mountain range of southern India. This ancient lineage of fossorial snakes is characterized by a hardened, shield-like tail tip used to brace against soil while burrowing.
Rarely seen above ground, it spends most of its life hidden in moist soil and leaf litter of forested hill habitats.
How to identify it
- Small, cylindrical body with smooth, glossy scales
- Coloration typically dark brown to purplish-black, sometimes with a paler underside or faint stripe
- Distinctive flattened, shield-like tail tip used for burrowing
- Small eyes and a blunt, rounded head
- Round pupils
- Distinguished from other fossorial snakes by the unique shield-shaped tail tip characteristic of the family
Habitat & range
Endemic to moist forests and hill regions of the Western Ghats in southern India, found in loose, damp soil and leaf litter, often at moderate elevations.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Almost entirely fossorial, rarely surfacing except after heavy rain. Feeds on earthworms and soft-bodied invertebrates. Gives birth to live young.
Frequently asked questions
Is Elliot's Shieldtail venomous?
No, it is completely non-venomous and harmless.
Where is it found?
It is endemic to the Western Ghats mountain range of southern India.
What is its tail used for?
Its hardened, shield-shaped tail tip helps it brace against soil while burrowing underground.
What does it eat?
Mainly earthworms and other soft-bodied invertebrates found in soil.
Elliot's Shieldtail guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Elliot's Shieldtail.
