Kingdom Animalia Subphylum Vertebrata Order Squamata Scientific name Enhydris gyii | Phylum Chordata Class Reptilia Suborder Serpentes Rank Species | |
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Similar Homalopsinae, Rainbow water snake, Dieurostus dussumieri, Brachyorrhos, Siebold's water snake | ||
The Kapuas mud snake (Enhydris gyii ) is a species of snake, native to Borneo, that can change its epidermal colour spontaneously.
Contents
Etymology
The common name, Kapuas mud snake, refers to the Kapuas River. The specific name, gyii, is in honor of Burmese herpetologist Ko Ko Gyi.
Colour change
The snake's chameleon-like behaviour was discovered accidentally in 2005 when a specimen was put in a dark bucket. The snake's skin turned pale white 20 minutes later. Scientists determined the snake to be a new species belonging to the genus Enhydris.
Description
Like all members of the subfamily Homalopsinae, the 60 inches (150 cm) long snake is mildly venomous, rear-fanged, and viviparous.
References
Kapuas mud snake Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA