SUMMARY
VENOM: Highly toxic - Rare instances of fatalities
PREVALENCE: Common
ACTIVE PERIOD: Most active during the day
KEY ID FEATURES: Red neck, can flatten neck and head when disturbed
BEHAVIOR: Generally docile, but can bite if handled, can secrete poison through glands on the neck
SIZE: Small - 60-80cm
IUCN: LC - Least Concerned
OTHER: Red portion of neck can secrete poison
QUICK ASSESSMENT 0-10
VENOM REVIEW*
COMPOSITION: Procoagulants, Haemorrhagins (possibly present), Anticoagulants (possibly present).
LOCAL EFFECTS: Serious envenomation possible, potentially lethal, local pain, swelling, bruising, bleeding, minimal local necrosis.
GENERAL EFFECTS: General pain, dizziness, possible shock, possible coagulopathy, secondary renal damage.
TREATMENT: Antivenom (possibly Anti-Yamakagashi or “Tiger Keelback” Antivenom).
*INFORMATION ON VENOM OBTAINED FROM WWW.TOXINOLOGY.COM
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 'Red Neck' the Red Neck Keelback is a relatively easy snake to identify and is not easily confused with other species in Hong Kong. Generally olive green with black checkering running the length of the body and greenish yellow highlights, both juvenile and mature specimens exhibit the same colors and patterning with the juveniles showing brighter more defined colors. Head color will transition from dark grey to olive green as the snake matures. At least one example of color morph has been observed in this species where the specimens color profile was entirely black and white so it is possible in extremely unique situations to misidentify and as a result caution should always be applied.
BEHAVIOR
Active during the day, the Red Neck Keelback is relatively common in Hong Kong. It is generally not aggressive but if cornered may flatten out its neck and rise up in a defensive 'S' posture while hissing. As a rear fanged snake, and given their normally docile nature envenomations from Redneck Keelbacks are rare, but their venom has been proven to be deadly in at least one instance and as a result this snake should never be handled and given space if observed. An additional incentive not to handle this snake is its ability to secrete poison from the red section of its neck by bursting glands just under the skin. This poison is sequestered from toads, the Redneck Keelback’s favorite prey item and can be highly irritating and possible dangerous if ingested accidentally or if it makes contact with the eyes. This is a unique feature to the Red Neck Keelback adding to its 'cool factor' in the context of Hong Kong snakes.
HABITAT
This species hunts toads as its favorite prey and as a result can often be found near water sources, but is also common in forested areas. Red neck Keelbacks are found all over Hong Kong including Hong Kong Island. Active during the day and terrestrial they are commonly seen on jogging trails as well.
MISTAKEN IDENTITY
NO SNAKE SHOULD EVER BE HANDLED BY ANYONE BUT EXPERTS: The Red Neck 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.