The Ceylon Cat Snake (Boiga ceylonensis) is a species of non-venomous colubrid snake native to South Asia, specifically Sri Lanka and India. Also known as the Sri Lankan Cat Snake, it is a slender and agile snake that preys on small vertebrates, including lizards and frogs.
The Ceylon Cat Snake is a moderately-sized snake, with adults typically reaching lengths of around 70-90 cm (27-35 in). It has a slender body with a small, pointed head and large eyes. The scales are smooth and glossy, giving the snake a shiny appearance. The base coloration is usually brown or gray, with irregular patches of darker brown or black on the back and sides. The belly is cream-colored, with irregular black markings.
Scalation:
The Ceylon Cat Snake has a distinctive scalation pattern that distinguishes it from other snake species. It has 15 rows of dorsal scales at midbody, which are smooth and shiny. The ventral scales number between 179 and 210, and the subcaudal scales number between 51 and 78. The scales on the head are small and imbricate, and there are 9 supralabial scales and 10-11 sublabial scales. Scalation of the Ceylon Cat Snake (Boiga ceylonensis):
- Dorsal scales: The Ceylon Cat Snake has 15 rows of dorsal scales at midbody that are smooth and shiny.
- Ventral scales: The number of ventral scales on the Ceylon Cat Snake can vary between 179 and 210.
- Subcaudal scales: The number of subcaudal scales on the Ceylon Cat Snake can vary between 51 and 78.
- Head scales: The scales on the head of the Ceylon Cat Snake are small and imbricate, meaning they overlap each other like shingles on a roof.
- Supralabial scales: The Ceylon Cat Snake has 9 supralabial scales, which are the scales on the upper lip.
- Sublabial scales: The Ceylon Cat Snake has 10-11 sublabial scales, which are the scales on the lower lip.
Overall, the scalation of the Ceylon Cat Snake is quite distinctive and can help to differentiate it from other snake species.
Appearance:
The Ceylon Cat Snake has a slender and agile body that is well-adapted to hunting small prey. It has a distinctive head that is slightly wider than the neck, and large eyes that are adapted for hunting in low-light conditions. The base coloration is usually brown or gray, with irregular patches of darker brown or black on the back and sides. The belly is cream-colored, with irregular black markings.
Natural History:
The Ceylon Cat Snake is primarily nocturnal, and is known to be arboreal, spending much of its time in trees and bushes. It is a secretive snake that is rarely seen in the wild, and is often mistaken for a venomous snake due to its similar appearance to some of the more dangerous snake species. The diet of the Ceylon Cat Snake consists of small vertebrates, including lizards, frogs, and small birds.
Habitat:
The Ceylon Cat Snake is native to South Asia, specifically Sri Lanka and India. It is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas. It is a relatively common snake in its native range, although it is often overlooked due to its secretive nature.
Behavior:
The Ceylon Cat Snake is a relatively docile snake that is not known to be aggressive towards humans. However, like all snakes, it may bite if it feels threatened or cornered. When threatened, the Ceylon Cat Snake will often inflate its body and hiss loudly to deter predators.
Reproduction:
Little is known about the reproductive habits of the Ceylon Cat Snake. It is believed to be oviparous, meaning that it lays eggs rather than giving birth to live young. Clutches may contain up to 10 eggs, although the typical clutch size is likely smaller.
Location:
The Ceylon Cat Snake is native to Sri Lanka and India, and is found throughout much of its range. It is a relatively common snake in its native range, although it is often overlooked due to its secretive nature.
Venomous or Non-venomous:
The Ceylon Cat Snake is a non-venomous snake, and is not considered to be a danger to humans. It is often mistaken for venomous snakes due to its similar appearance to some of the more dangerous snake species. While the Ceylon Cat Snake is not venomous, it is still important to treat it with respect and caution, as all snakes are potentially capable of biting if they feel threatened.
Venom Strength:
As mentioned earlier, the Ceylon Cat Snake is a non-venomous species, meaning it doesn’t produce any venom that is harmful to humans. However, if bitten, it can cause mild irritation and swelling, similar to that of a bee or wasp sting. It’s important to remember that all snake bites should be taken seriously and immediate medical attention should be sought if bitten by any snake, venomous or non-venomous.
The Ceylon Cat Snake is a non-venomous species of colubrid snake native to South Asia, specifically Sri Lanka and India. It is a slender and agile snake that preys on small vertebrates and spends much of its time in trees and bushes. While it is not venomous, it is still important to treat it with respect and caution if encountered in the wild. As with all snakes, it’s important to remember that they play an important role in their ecosystem and should not be needlessly harmed or killed.
