animal stories

AGENCIES

Striped kukri snakes are one of the most common and beautiful species of kukri snakes. These snakes can frequently be found in gardens and cultivated areas. Kukri snakes got their name from their sharp, flattened, curved teeth which resemble ‘Khukuri’ used by Gorkha soldiers. They are egg eating snakes and their teeth are specially adapted for their main diet of eggs. The teeth slit open eggs as they are being swallowed by the snake, allowing for easier digestion.

Striped kukri snakes are non-venomous and are quite harmless. As a defensive display, they will raise and curl their tail to reveal the red colouration underneath like coral snakes.

Characteristics

Striped kukri snakes have longitudinal stripes comprising a dorsal reddish or orange stripe, and a number of brown or greenish lateral stripes on a black background. The underbelly is pink or orangish-red with black markings.

These small snakes got their name from the light stripe that runs down their back, which is bordered on either side by a dark line. They also have a thin dark stripe on each side of their body. The body is cylindrical, short, smooth and even sized. Their head is depressed, snout short and blunt. The tail is short and compressed and is one-sixth to one-seventh of the total length. They have a set of enlarged teeth placed in the back of their mouths as well as functional venom glands.

These snakes are diurnal snakes and are often seen during the rainy season. They can climb skillfully. When irritated the snake inflates its body to a remarkable degree and flattens the posterior part of the head marking the head more

apparent.

Male and female variety of these snakes stay together after mating. The females lay four to five eggs, which measure 36 x 10 mm. Young kukri snakes feed on insects and their larvae, spiders and gecko eggs.

Size

Striped kukri snakes grow up to about 26 inches in length.

Feeding Habits

Striped kukri snakes are egg eaters. They feed on eggs of birds and other reptiles. Besides eggs, they eat lizards, frogs and small rodents.

Habitat

These snakes are found in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and possibly the Philippines. They live in forest, farmland, and sometimes parks and gardens. They usually hide under stones, wood, or leaves.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of these snakes is about 10 years.