SUMMARY
VENOM: None
PREVALENCE: Not common
ACTIVE PERIOD: Most active during the day
KEY ID FEATURES: Copper orange neck, checkered body and striped tail
BEHAVIOR: Generally docile, not known to bite readily but capable of doing so
SIZE: Small - ~60-80cm
IUCN: NE - Not Evaluated
OTHER: Color variation within species can occur including red headed and brown morphs
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.
DESCRIPTION
With a distinct copper orange colored neck the Buff-striped Keelback is a relatively easy snake to identify and is not easily confused with other species in Hong Kong. Generally tan to light olive green with black and white to blue checkering running the length of the body and with lateral strips on the tail, both juvenile and mature specimens exhibit the same colors and patterning with the juveniles showing brighter more defined colors.
BEHAVIOR
Active during the day, the Buff-striped Keelback is relatively uncommon in Hong Kong. It is generally not aggressive and is not normally quick to bite but capable of doing so. Hunt small amphibians during the day.
HABITAT
Usually found in grass lands or villages near water, rice fields and other slow moving/still bodies of water. This species hunts frogs and toads as its favorite prey. Buff-striped Keelbacks are found on Lantau and in the New Territories but are small in number due to habitat loss.
MISTAKEN IDENTITY
NO SNAKE SHOULD EVER BE HANDLED BY ANYONE BUT EXPERTS: The Buff-striped Keelback is a unique snake in Hong Kong that is not easily mistaken for any other endemic species. Visit the 'Practical Venomous Snake ID' section of the Snake ID page for tips on identifying some of the more common venomous species.