Red-necked Keelback

The Red-necked Keelback is a rear-fanged colubrid found across South and Southeast Asia, distinguished by the vivid red-orange coloration on its neck region contrasting with an olive-green body. Unlike many keelbacks, this species is capable of delivering a medically significant bite and is regarded as dangerous.

It belongs to the genus Rhabdophis, several members of which sequester toxins from toad prey into specialized nuchal glands, making them unusual among colubrids for their potent venom.

• Olive-green to grayish-green body with a bright red or orange patch across the neck
• Black speckling or barring often present just behind the head
• Keeled dorsal scales
• Rounded head, round pupils
• Adults typically 0.7-1.3 m in length
• Neck coloration is the key distinguishing feature from other keelback species

Inhabits lowland forests, rice paddies, marshes, and areas near ponds and streams across India, Bangladesh, Southeast Asia, and southern China. It is often found near human settlements where water and amphibian prey are abundant.

Primarily diurnal, foraging for frogs and toads, which it uses both as food and as a source of sequestered defensive toxins. It is generally shy and not aggressive but can deliver a serious bite if provoked. It is oviparous, laying clutches of around 5-15 eggs.