Oligodon formosanus (Günther, 1872)
Taiwan Kukri Snake 台灣小頭蛇
(Non-venomous)
Suborder
Serpentes 蛇亞目
Ventrals iridescent, pale pink. Young individuals have bright red-coloured ventrals, which fades with age.
Head short and not distinct from neck, with two brown V-shaped markings.
A brown bar from eye to upper labials. May have an orange or reddish mid-dorsal stripe.
Tail short. Scales smooth.
Is called Kukri Snake because its enlarged rear teeth resemble in shape the "kukri" knives.
Dry and moist areas, e.g. grassland, hillside shrubland, dense secondary forest, grassy edges of ponds and cultivated fields.
Sometimes found hiding under objects and inside catchwaters.
Uses its enlarged teeth to slit open the shell of reptilian and bird's eggs.
Often bites when captured, causing profuse bleeding.
Captive specimens drink raw chicken egg yolk.
Occurs in southern China including Taiwan, and northern Vietnam.
