Boiga nuchalis

Boiga nuchalis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Colubridae
Subfamily:	Colubrinae
Genus:	Boiga
Species:	B. nuchalis
Binomial name
Boiga nuchalis (Günther, 1875)
Synonyms
Dipsas nuchalis Günther, 1875

Boiga nuchalis is a species of rear-fanged colubrid snake found in India and Nepal.^[1]

Distribution

North-east India, Western Ghats and southern forest areas.

Morphology

Small to medium length, slightly compressed, medium bodied snake with a moderately long tail. Can grow to a maximum of about 1.2 meters. Head somewhat ovoid when viewed from above is distinct from neck with a rounded snout. Eyes are large in size with vertically elliptical pupils. Dorsal scales are smooth with single apical pits. The vertebral series is strongly enlarged. Ventral scales are laterally angulate. Dorsal scale count 21 (23) - 21 (23) - 15.

Behavior

Nocturnal and arboreal. Occasionally seen on the ground searching for prey. Generally a mild disposition but has been observed to strike when approached. If the snake is provoked it will raise its fore body, coil into loops, often vibrating its tail and bites readily.

Food

Especially feeds on Calotes but can eat tree frogs and geckos also like other cat snake species.

References