Split Keelback

The split keelback, or olive keelback wart snake, is a common and harmless water snake of South Asia, found in Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh and Nepal. It is the only species in its genus. It is a small, robust snake with a thin head, a short snout and slit nostrils set rather high. It is olive-green above and yellow to orange below, sometimes tinged pink or purplish on the flanks. The tail is a quarter to a third of the total length (Wikipedia, general species account).

Females are 70 to 75 cm long and males 50 to 60 cm, and the longest measured was 87 cm. The dorsal scales are keeled and rough. It lives in water or among the surrounding vegetation, is diurnal, and is also seen at night. Nationally Least Concern (Sri Lanka National Red List 2012).