Speckle-bellied Keelback
Rhabdophis chrysargos
A small keelback of Southeast Asia named for the fine dark speckling on its underside.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.7 m (1.3-2.3 ft)
- Range
- Southeast Asia
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Overview
The Speckle-bellied Keelback is a small, rear-fanged colubrid found across parts of Southeast Asia. It takes its common name from the fine dark speckling patterning its pale ventral scales.
A member of the genus Rhabdophis, it has mild rear-fanged venom but is not considered dangerous to humans, and it forms part of a diverse guild of small terrestrial and semi-aquatic keelback snakes in the region's forests and forest edges.
How to identify it
- Brown to olive body, often with pale spots or short pale bars and dark markings, especially toward the front
- Underside marked with fine dark speckles, giving the species its name
- Keeled dorsal scales
- Rounded head, round pupils
- Adults typically 0.4-0.7 m in length
Habitat & range
Found in lowland and hill forests, forest edges, and areas near streams at low to moderate elevations across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal and terrestrial to semi-aquatic, foraging for frogs, small lizards, and invertebrates among leaf litter and near water. It is shy and non-aggressive. It is oviparous, laying small clutches of eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Speckle-bellied Keelback dangerous?
It has only mild rear-fanged venom and is not considered dangerous to humans.
How did it get its name?
From the fine dark speckling pattern on its pale belly scales.
Where does it live?
In forests and forest edges across Southeast Asia.
What does it eat?
Frogs, small lizards, and invertebrates.
Speckle-bellied Keelback guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Speckle-bellied Keelback.
