Yellow-spotted Keelback
Hebius flavipunctatus
A small stream-associated colubrid marked with yellow spotting along a dark body, found across South and Southeast Asian hill forests.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.8 m (1.3-2.6 ft)
- Range
- South and Southeast Asia
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Overview
The Yellow-spotted Keelback is a small colubrid snake found in hill forests and stream habitats of South and Southeast Asia. Its dark body patterned with scattered yellow spots makes it a distinctive, if infrequently seen, member of the regional keelback fauna.
It is non-venomous and poses no threat to humans, playing a minor ecological role as a predator of small amphibians and invertebrates.
How to identify it
- Dark brown to blackish body marked with scattered yellow or cream spots
- Keeled dorsal scales
- Rounded head, round pupils
- Adults typically 0.4-0.8 m in length
- Spotting pattern distinguishes it from striped keelback relatives
Habitat & range
Found near forest streams and moist hill habitats at low to moderate elevations across parts of India, Nepal, and Southeast Asia.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal to crepuscular, foraging near water for frogs and invertebrates. It is secretive and non-aggressive. It is oviparous, laying small clutches of eggs during the wet season.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Yellow-spotted Keelback venomous?
No, it is non-venomous and harmless to humans.
How can you recognize it?
By its dark body marked with scattered yellow spots.
Where does it live?
Near forest streams and moist hill habitats in South and Southeast Asia.
What does it eat?
Frogs and small invertebrates.
Yellow-spotted Keelback guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Yellow-spotted Keelback.
