All Photos on this page were taken by: Ringo Wong
SUMMARY
VENOM: None
PREVALENCE: Rare
ACTIVE PERIOD: Active during the day
KEY ID FEATURES: Long and thin relative to other stream snakes, black and yellow bands running the length of the body
BEHAVIOR: Moves through mud and vegitated wetlands during the day
SIZE: Small - 40-60cm
IUCN: N/A
OTHER: Can be mistaken for juvenile king cobras or small banded kraits
QUICK ASSESSMENT 0-10
GALLERY
IMPORTANT: Many snakes have significant variance in coloration and pattern even within the same species. There can also be extreme differences in appearance from juveniles to adults so it is important to never assume you have properly identified a snake.
All photos provided by: Ringo Wong
DESCRIPTION
Banded Stream Snakes distiinct in appearance with yellow and black bands running the length of the body. They are longer in maturity than other stream snake species in Hong Kong with heavier more rounded heads. The belly scales are black and white. As juveniles they are birght yellow and black, at maturity the bright yellow changes to a darker almost orange color.
BEHAVIOR
Diurnal in nature, banded stream snakes can be found on the move in fresh water wetland habitat and slow, muddy, heavily vegitated streams. They are adept at swiming and burrowing through mud as well as navigating submerged root systems and rocks. Generally not quick to bite but capable of musking.
HABITAT
Found at low to mid elevation in fresh water wetlands and heavily vegitated muddy slow moving streams.
MISTAKEN IDENTITY
NO SNAKE SHOULD EVER BE HANDLED BY ANYONE BUT EXPERTS: Can be mistaken for juvenile king cobras or small many banded kraits.