Keel-Bellied Whip Snake
Dryophiops rubescens
A slender, mildly venomous, arboreal colubrid of Southeast Asian forests, notable for the distinct keeled scales along its belly.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.7-1.0 m (2.3-3.3 ft)
- Range
- Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia
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Overview
The Keel-Bellied Whip Snake is a slender, mildly venomous colubrid found in the forests of Southeast Asia. It belongs to a small genus of whip snakes distinguished by the presence of keeled ventral scales, an unusual trait among snakes.
It leads a largely arboreal existence, relying on its slim build and coloration to blend into vegetation.
How to identify it
- Slender, elongated body typical of whip snakes
- Coloration usually brownish, grayish, or reddish-brown, often blending with bark and foliage
- Distinctively keeled ventral (belly) scales, a key identifying feature of the genus
- Head elongated and only slightly distinct from the neck
- Round to slightly horizontal pupils
- Distinguished from other whip snakes by the keeled belly scales
Habitat & range
Found in lowland and hill forests across Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, favoring dense vegetation, shrubs, and low tree branches. Also found along forest edges and in secondary growth.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily diurnal and arboreal, moving slowly and deliberately through vegetation while foraging. Feeds on lizards, frogs, and small vertebrates, using mild venom to help subdue prey. Reproduction is oviparous, with females laying small clutches of eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Keel-Bellied Whip Snake dangerous to humans?
It is mildly venomous with rear fangs and poses little to no danger to humans.
What makes this species unusual?
It has distinctly keeled scales on its belly, an uncommon trait that gives the species its name.
Where does it live?
It inhabits forests and vegetation across Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Is it active during the day or night?
It is primarily diurnal, foraging through vegetation during daylight hours.
Keel-Bellied Whip Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Keel-Bellied Whip Snake.
