Opisthotropis balteata (Cope, 1895)
Banded Stream Snake 橫紋後稜蛇
(Non-venomous)
Opisthotropis balteata
Order
Suborder		 Squamata 有鱗目
Serpentes 蛇亞目
Family Colubridae 游蛇科
Genus Opisthotropis 後稜蛇屬
Species Opisthotropis balteata
Other name -
Chinese name 橫紋后棱蛇 (「后」為繁簡體誤譯，正確為「後」)
Total length The largest local Opisthotropis species, reaching 105 cm or more.
Description Back orange-yellow, with at least 40 pairs of black bands with yellow centres encircling the body.
First pair of black bands extends onto rear of head.
Head mottled with black on top. Upper and lower labials with black marks.
A clear black mark beneath each eye. Snout rounded. Nostrils on top of snout.
Scales moderately keeled.
Habitat

Large, rocky, unpolluted streams at low to moderate altitude.
Occasionally sympatric with Bicoloured Stream Snake (Opisthotropis lateralis).
Behaviour Seems to be diurnal, unlike the other three Hong Kong Opisthotropis species;
A gentle snake. When caught, never attempts to bite.
Diet Unknown. One captive specimen took small fish.
Reproduction Breeding habits unknown; One hatchling measured 13 cm.
Distribution A rare snake in Hong Kong.
First recorded in 1978 from Shuen Wan in the north-east New Territories and 1982 in Ping Shan Chai in the Pat Sin Range.
Also recorded from Bride's Pool, the vicinity of Tai Long Wan in eastern Sai Kung, Wong Chuk Yeung near Ma On Shan, Sha Tau Kok and Lam Tsuen River.
Occurs in southern China, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Conservation Status IUCN Redlist: NE (Not Evaluated)
Opisthotropis balteata Opisthotropis balteata Opisthotropis balteata
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