Olive Keelback
Atretium schistosum
A drab, olive-toned freshwater colubrid common in ponds, ditches, and paddies across South Asia.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-1.1 m (2-3.6 ft)
- Range
- South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh)
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Overview
The Olive Keelback is a common, unassuming aquatic colubrid found across South Asia. Its subdued olive-brown to olive-green coloration allows it to blend into muddy pond and paddy environments where it forages.
It is non-venomous and considered harmless to humans, and it plays a useful ecological role controlling amphibian and small fish populations in freshwater habitats.
How to identify it
- Olive-brown to grayish-green dorsal coloration, sometimes with a reddish or orange tinge along the lower flanks
- Keeled dorsal scales giving a rough texture
- Rounded head, round pupils
- Adults typically 0.6-1.1 m in length
- Less boldly patterned than the striped keelbacks
Habitat & range
Common in ponds, ditches, rice paddies, canals, and slow streams at low elevations across India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, often near human habitation.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal and strongly aquatic, hunting frogs, tadpoles, and small fish in shallow water. It is generally docile but may thrash or strike defensively when disturbed. It is oviparous, laying clutches of roughly 8-20 eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Olive Keelback dangerous?
No, it is non-venomous and considered harmless to humans.
Where is it commonly found?
In ponds, ditches, canals, and rice paddies across South Asia.
What does it eat?
Frogs, tadpoles, and small fish.
How can you identify it?
By its plain olive-brown to olive-green coloration and rough, keeled scales.
Olive Keelback guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Olive Keelback.
