Boie's Rough-Sided Snake

  

Scientific Name: Xenochrophis boiei

Family: Colubridae (A large family of non-venomous and mildly venomous snakes)

Common Name(s): Boie's Rough-Sided Snake, Boie's Water Snake, Boie's Rough-scaled Water Snake

Overview:

Boie's Rough-Sided Snake is a semi-aquatic species found primarily in freshwater habitats across parts of India and Sri Lanka. It is a relatively harmless, non-venomous snake known for its rough, keeled scales and slender body. While the species is somewhat elusive and not often encountered, it plays an important role in controlling populations of small fish and invertebrates in its aquatic environment.

Physical Description:

• Size: Boie's Rough-Sided Snake typically ranges in size from 50 cm to 1 meter (about 20 inches to 3.3 feet). It is a moderately sized species, but some individuals can reach slightly longer lengths.
• Coloration: The body of Boie's Rough-Sided Snake is usually a dark olive-brown, gray, or dark green, often with light or pale yellowish markings along the sides. The belly is typically lighter in color, usually appearing pale, cream, or yellowish.
• Scales: The snake's body is covered in keeled, rough scales, which give it a distinct textured appearance. These rough scales are thought to aid the snake in moving through water and on wet, slippery surfaces.
• Head: The head is small, slightly flattened, and pointed, which helps the snake move through water and under vegetation more efficiently. It has large eyes that help it spot prey in both aquatic and terrestrial environments.
• Tail: The tail is slender and slightly elongated, which aids in swimming.

Habitat and Distribution:

• Geographical Range: Boie's Rough-Sided Snake is found in South and Southeast Asia, specifically in India and Sri Lanka. The species is common in the lowland and midland areas of these regions.
• Habitat: The snake inhabits freshwater environments, such as streams, rivers, ponds, and marshes. It prefers vegetated areas with dense aquatic plants, where it can find shelter and prey.
• Semi-Aquatic Lifestyle: Like other species in the Xenochrophis genus, Boie's Rough-Sided Snake is semi-aquatic, spending significant time both in and around water. It is often found basking on banks or among vegetation near water but can also swim efficiently.

Behavior and Diet:

• Feeding: Boie's Rough-Sided Snake is carnivorous, primarily feeding on small fish, amphibians, aquatic invertebrates, and frogs. It uses its keen senses to locate prey in the water, often hunting during the early morning or late afternoon when it is most active.
• Venom: This species is non-venomous, though it does possess mildly toxic saliva used to subdue smaller prey. However, the venom is harmless to humans and is not considered a threat.
• Behavior: Boie's Rough-Sided Snake is typically shy and reclusive, avoiding human con