Calliophis maculiceps. Small spotted Coral Snake.
This is another reader submission from Kevin Shupe in Cape Panwa, Phuket. He was doing some yard work and inadvertently killed this cool little snake with a shovel or hoe. Hence the reason for no head shot!
These are subterranean snakes for the most part. They are out and about during September and October for breeding – and then, you usually won’t see any unless you’re walking around overturned ground. They eat worms primarily. They have a very small mouth and I couldn’t find any instances of envenomation in man, but they are coral snakes and should be given some respect if you find one.
The amazing thing is the belly of the snake – I never knew it had that coloration. Like a gecko that lost it’s tail and it regrew all funky colored.
If you find any snakes in Thailand – get some photos and send them here – I’ll publish them with your credit and story if you have one.
Cheers,
Vern
Here are two Thailand snake photos by reader, Kevin Shupe, from Cape Panwa, Phuket.
The first is a Golden Tree Snake, Chrysopelea ornata ornatissima. These snakes glide through the air – they can jump off a tree on a cliff and glide down to the ground. One got away from me yesterday by jumping off the stand he was on. Great snakes. Common. Cool colors. Venomous, but not very toxic to humans.
The second is a reticulated Python (Malayopython reticulatus). I didn’t add retics to the Snake Poll on the right column there – as one of the most common snakes. I maybe should have. I think I will. See how the retic needs just the smallest ledge to put itself over… balancing on it? In the jungle they are often sitting just like this on a small limb – one you wouldn’t think they’d be sitting on.
Thailand Snakes covers venomous and non-venomous snakes in Thailand and surrounding countries. Cobras, Kraits, Vipers, Corals, Rat Snakes, Tree Snakes, Whip Snakes, Pipe Snakes, Kukris, Pythons, and more.
