Shield-tailed Snakes
Uropeltidae
Description 2
INTRODUCTION
- Non Venomous
- Uropeltidae are family of primitive snakes endemic to peninsular India & Sri Lanka.
- Have a large keratinous shield at the tip of the tail and hence called shield tailed snakes.
- Usually have iridescent scales which is a product of specialized scales to keep dirt off.
- 8 different genera of this family are recognized, comprising over 50 species.
IDENTIFICATION
- Small snakes with smooth, glossy scales.
- Colors & patterns vary with species. Often show bright iridescence under light.
- The belly of the snakes of usually brightly colored and have unique patterns based on species.
- Have powerful, pointed heads with tiny eyes, extended rostral scale & distinctive tails with shields.
DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT
- Found in the Western Ghats and some parts of Peninsular India.
- Inhabit hilly forests & occupy tunnels in the leaves, humus, rocks & logs.
- Burrowing species found upto 1 feet below the soil. Dig deeper in drier conditions.
DIET AND BEHAVIOR
- Feed on Earthworms, insect larvae and caecilians.
- Spend most life underground. Come to the surface at night & active during rains.
- Non-offensive & don't bite. Try to burrow in loose soil with strong snouts.
SPECIES OF UROPELTIDAE
Upto 39 species of this family from 8 genera are found in India. All of them endemic to the Western Ghats.
The most common & well known species are mentioned below.
- Nilgiri Uropeltis (Uropeltis ocellata)
- Bombay Earth Snake (Uropeltis macrolepsis)
- Elliot's Earth Snake (Uropeltis ellioti)
- Indian Black Earth Snake (Melanophidium wynaudense)
Sources and Credits
- (c) Vinay Gogula, all rights reserved, uploaded by Vinay Gogula
- (c) Vinay Gogula, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
More Info
iNat Map
| Toxicity | Non-Venomous |
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