Subphylum Vertebrata | Higher classification Rhabdophis | |
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Similar Rhabdophis, Snake, Reptile, Colubridae, Checkered keelback | ||
Red necked keelback rhabdophis subminiatus
Rhabdophis subminiatus, commonly called the red-necked keelback, is a species of venomous snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to Asia.
Contents
- Red necked keelback rhabdophis subminiatus
- Snake swallows frog red necked keelback rhabdophis subminiatus hunts and swallows live frog
- Description
- Habitat and diet
- Venom
- Subspecies
- Etymology
- Geographic range
- References
Snake swallows frog red necked keelback rhabdophis subminiatus hunts and swallows live frog
Description
R. subminiatus has a greenish hue with red and yellow regions near the head. It grows to 70 to 90 cm (27.5 to 35.5 in) in total length (including tail).
Habitat and diet
The red-necked keelback generally lives near ponds, where it consumes frogs and fish.
Venom
Rhabdophis subminiatus is a rear-fanged species and was previously thought to be harmless. However, following one fatal and several near-fatal envenomations, the toxicity of its venom was investigated. As a result, it has recently been reclassified as a dangerous species. Rear-fanged snakes need to bite and hold on, or repeatedly bite, to have any effect on humans. A chewing action facilitates envenomation as the venom ducts open to fangs that are externally grooved (not hollow) and are posterior in the oral cavity.
Subspecies
Two subspecies are recognized as being valid, including the nominotypical subspecies.
Nota bene: A trinomial authority in parentheses indicates that the subspecies was originally described in a genus other than Rhabdophis.
Etymology
The subspecific name, helleri, is in honor of American zoologist Edmund Heller.
Geographic range
The red-necked keelback can be found in the following areas of the world:
The subspecies R. s. helleri can be found in the following locations:
