The Checkered Keelback (Xenochrophis piscator) is one most common and easily recognizable non-venomous snakes present everywhere in Asia. Due to its sinewy checkered pattern and semi-aquatic nature, the snake works toward cracking aquatic pests and growing a balanced ecosystem.
Habitat & Distribution
Checkered Keelback exists at all possible water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and rivers, nearby paddy fields, and wetlands. It has a common distribution all over India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Southeast Asia.
Physical Appearance
- Length: 1-1.2 m in general
- Coloration: Olive green, brown with contrasting black and yellow checker-like patterns
- Scales: Keeled texture, giving a gritty appearance
- Head: Slightly wider than the neck with round pupils
Diet and Feeding Habits
Being mostly semi-aquatic in its strategy, this snake eats mainly:
- Frogs
- Fish
- Tadpoles
- Various smaller aquatic animals
Possessing an excellent swimming ability, the creature is truly a magnificent water hunter.
Behavior
- Non-venomous: A harmless snake in the eyes of humans, but it may bite if provoked
- Defensive Orientation: Lifts its head and inflates its neck to enhance its threatening appearances
- Active Times: Mostly diurnal but also active at dusk
Reproduction
These snakes lay eggs i.e. The Checkered Keelback is oviparous. Generally, a group of six to twenty eggs is laid by females in summers, with hatchlings submitting to the world post two months.
Importance in the ecosystem
- Regulates the populations of fish and frogs
- Keeps the balance in the freshwater habitat
- Acts as an indicator of a healthy aquatic ecosystem
Conservation Status
Currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, but habitat destruction and road kills pose threats to its population.
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