Kingdom Animalia Order Squamata Family Colubridae Scientific name Boiga nuchalis Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Suborder Serpentes Subfamily Colubrinae Higher classification Boiga | |
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Similar Boiga dightoni, Boiga wallachi, Boiga andamanensis, Boiga gokool, Boiga | ||
Boiga nuchalis is a species of rear-fanged colubrid snake found in India and Nepal.
Contents
Distribution
North-east India, Western Ghats and southern forest areas.
Morphology
Small to medium length, slightly compressed, medium bodied snake with a moderately long tail. Can grow to a maximum of about 1.2 meters. Head somewhat ovoid when viewed from above is distinct from neck with a rounded snout. Eyes are large in size with vertically elliptical pupils. Dorsal scales are smooth with single apical pits. The vertebral series is strongly enlarged. Ventral scales are laterally angulate. Dorsal scale count 21 (23) - 21 (23) - 15.
Behavior
Nocturnal and arboreal. Occasionally seen on the ground searching for prey. Generally a mild disposition but has been observed to strike when approached. If the snake is provoked it will raise its fore body, coil into loops, often vibrating its tail and bites readily.
Food
Especially feeds on Calotes but can eat tree frogs and geckos also like other cat snake species.