Duméril's Kukri Snake

Duméril's kukri snake is a rear-fanged snake of Sri Lanka, common on the plains and in the midhills and widespread across the country, including the drier north. The body is somewhat cylindrical and stout, with a short blunt head. The back is pinkish-brown with three rows of small brown markings: two lateral rows of linear marks that usually merge into stripes, and a median row of discontinuous spots ending at the vent (Wikipedia, general species account).

It is found in thinly forested areas, often enters human habitation, and usually hides under leaf litter, at elevations up to 1,200 m. It is active by day and at dusk but particularly at night. When threatened it flattens its body but does not attempt to bite. Its blade-like teeth are thought to be an adaptation for cutting up the shells of reptile eggs, and it also eats small lizards and frog eggs. Nationally Least Concern (Sri Lanka National Red List 2012).