The Hill Keelback, also known as Amphiesma monticola, is a non-venomous species of snake. It does not have venom glands and is not considered dangerous to humans.
Description:
The Hill Keelback is a medium-sized species of snake, with an average length of around 50-70 cm (20-28 inches). It has a slender, cylindrical body shape and a pointed head. The eyes are large and round, with round pupils.
Scalation:
The scales of the Hill Keelback are smooth and shiny. The dorsal scales are arranged in 15 rows, and there are 140-165 ventral scales and 35-50 subcaudal scales. The anal scale is divided, and there are 8 supralabials and 10-11 infralabials. Hill Keelback (Amphiesma monticola) has a distinct scalation pattern that can help identify the species. Here are some details about its scalation:
- Dorsal Scales: The snake has smooth dorsal scales arranged in 17 rows at midbody. The scales are slightly keeled towards the tail.
- Ventrals: The ventral scales are smooth and shiny, and the number of ventrals varies between 153-168.
- Subcaudals: The subcaudals are paired, and the number of subcaudals varies between 51-61.
- Anal Plate: The anal plate is divided.
- Head Scales: The head of the Hill Keelback is slightly elongated, and the head scales are small and smooth, with a single loreal scale.
- Eye Scales: The snake has a large eye with a round pupil. The eye scales are small, with a single preocular and two postocular scales.
- Other Scales: The snake has 8-9 upper labials, with the fourth and fifth contacting the eye. It also has 10-12 lower labials.
Hill Keelback has a smooth and shiny appearance with a unique scalation pattern. The slight keel on the dorsal scales towards the tail and the presence of a single loreal scale can help distinguish it from other keelback species. The number of scales may vary slightly between individuals, but the overall pattern remains consistent.
Appearance:
The Hill Keelback has a distinctive appearance, with a brown or grey color on its back and sides, with a series of dark brown or black stripes running down the length of the body. The belly is yellow or cream-colored. The scales are smooth and shiny, giving the snake a sleek appearance.
Natural History:
The Hill Keelback is primarily active during the day and feeds on small prey such as frogs, lizards, and rodents.
Habitat:
The Hill Keelback is found in the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, and Bhutan. It is most commonly found in mountainous areas, at elevations between 1,000 and 3,000 meters. It is often found near water sources, such as streams and rivers.
Behavior:
The Hill Keelback is a relatively docile species of snake and is not aggressive towards humans. It will usually try to escape when confronted but may become defensive and try to bite if it feels threatened. This species is often seen swimming in water sources or basking in the sun on rocks or logs.
Reproduction:
Little is known about the reproductive biology of the Hill Keelback, but it is believed to be oviparous, laying eggs rather than giving birth to live young.
Location and Conservation:
The Hill Keelback is found in the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, and Bhutan. It is not considered to be under threat and is listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The Hill Keelback is a unique and interesting species found in the Himalayan regions of South Asia. Its distinctive appearance and behavior make it a fascinating creature to study, and its non-venomous nature makes it safe for humans to interact with. The protection of its habitat is crucial for the conservation of this species and the maintenance of biodiversity in the region.
