Kingdom Animalia Suborder Serpentes Subfamily Colubrinae Scientific name Coluber gracilis Higher classification Coluber Order Scaled reptiles | Subphylum Vertebrata Family Colubridae Genus Coluber Phylum Chordata Rank Species | |
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Similar Coluber bholanathi, Coluber, Snake, Coluber sinai, Colubridae | ||
Coluber gracilis, commonly known as the graceful racer or slender racer, is a species of snake endemic to India.
Contents
Description
See snake scales for terms usedSnout is obtuse; rostral nearly as deep as broad, just visible from above; suture between the internasals a little shorter than that between the prefrontals; frontal slightly longer than its distance from the end of the snout, nearly as long as the occipitals; loreal nearly as deep as long; one preocular, with a small subocular below 3 two postoculars ; temporals 2+2; 9 upper labials, fifth and sixth entering the eye; 4 or 5 lower labials in contact with the anterior chin-shields; posterior chin-shields as long as or longer than the anterior, separated anteriorly by two scales. Scales smooth, in 21 rows. Ventrals ungulate laterally, 213-228; anal divided; subcaudals 118-121. Yellowish above, with a series of large round brown spots edged with black, separated by narrow interspaces; these spots become more indistinct on the posterior part of the body; a black cross-band on the snout and three angular dark brown black-edged bands on the head, the anterior between the eye, the posterior extending on to the nape; lower parts yellowish, with an irregular series of black spots on each side. Total length 33 inches; tail 10.
Distribution
This species is endemic to India and has been recorded in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.