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Opisthotropis andersonii (Boulenger, 1888)
Anderson's Stream Snake 香港後稜蛇
(Non-venomous) |
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Order
Suborder |
Squamata 有鱗目
Serpentes 蛇亞目 |
| Family |
Colubridae 游蛇科 |
| Genus |
Opisthotropis 後稜蛇屬 |
| Species |
Opisthotropis andersonii |
| Other name |
- |
| Chinese name |
香港后棱蛇 (「后」為繁簡體誤譯，正確為「後」) |
| Total length |
Average 30 - 40 cm, may grow to 50 cm |
| Description |
Back olive brown. Lowermost row of dorsal scales and ventrals pale yellow;
Lower labials and chin shields also yellow.
Nostrils on top of snout.
Scales weekly keeled. |
| Habitat |
Found in small fast mountain streams in secondary forest.
Seems to be absent from large streams.
Occasionally sympatric with Striped Stream Snake (Opisthotropis kuatunensis) and Mountain Water Snake (Sinonatrix percarinata). |
| Behaviour |
Remains concealed under rocks or gravel in stream beds during daylight hours and emerges at night to forage.
Nostrils on the top of snout, breathes with its snout protruding the water surface to take in air.
Very docile and never attempts to bite. |
| Diet |
Probably feeds on semi-aquatic earthworms. Sometimes does well in captivity on a diet of earthworms. |
| Reproduction |
Oviparous. Hatchlings 12 cm. |
| Distribution |
The most widespread Opisthotropis species in Hong Kong, found in the New Territories, Lantau Island and Hong Kong Island.
Occurs in Guangdong, China. |
| Conservation Status |
IUCN Redlist: NE (Not Evaluated) |
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