Oligodon russelius | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Serpentes |
Family: | Colubridae |
Genus: | Oligodon |
Species: | O. russelius |
Binomial name | |
Oligodon russelius (Daudin, 1803) | |
Synonyms | |
Coluber russelius |
Oligodon russelius, commonly known as Russell's kukri snake [1] is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is very closely related to Oligodon arnensis , from which it has been recently separated. The specific epithet honours the British herpetologist Patrick Russell, one of whose illustrations possibly depicts this species.
The species was recognised as a distinct species in 2022 after a morphological and biogeographical evaluation of the Oligodon arnensis species complex. The populations of Oligodon arnensis (sensu lato) in the northern regions of India has now been assigned as Oligodon russelius (sensu stricto), distinguished from the southern population, which remains Oligodon arnensis .
Nepal, Northern India, North-East Pakistan, and possibly parts of Bangladesh. [3]
It primarily feeds on eggs, and small lizards.
The snake is oviparous, like other colubrids. The clutch contains four or five remarkably elongate eggs with measured dimensions 36x3x10 mm and the SVLs of the hatchlings are around 181.0–193.0 mm. The hatchlings are usually brighter in colors with faded and less prominent cross stripes, but with distinct white margins. The juveniles have been mostly observed in April to July and during the winter.
The species is of common occurrence and has a widespread range. The risk of extinction is regarded as low. The snakes often get killed by humans, particularly because of misidentification as kraits, due to the presence of bands. It is also often reported as road kills.
Oligodon is genus of colubrid snakes that was first described by Austrian zoologist Leopold Fitzinger in 1826. This genus is widespread throughout central and tropical Asia. The snakes of this genus are commonly known as kukri snakes.
The arani kukri snake, is a species of nonvenomous colubrid found mainly in South Asia.
The streaked kukri snake is a species of nonvenomous snake found in Asia. It is also known as the variegated kukri or the Russell's kukri. The IUCN lists the species as least concern.
Oligodon melaneus (common name: bluebelly kukri snake is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. It is endemic to eastern India. It was described in 1909 by Frank Wall based on two specimens from Tindharia, Darjeeling.
Oligodon nikhili, known commonly as Nikhil's kukri snake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to the Palni Hills of southern India.
Oligodon brevicauda, the shorthead kukri snake, is a species of snake found in the Western Ghats of India.
The black-headed ground snake, also known as the Palestine kukri snake is a species of small and elegant harmless snake, which is endemic to the Eastern Mediterranean and the Near East. It belongs to the Colubridae family. Two subspecies, Rhynchocalamus melanocephalus melanocephalus and Rhynchocalamus melanocephalus satunini, are currently recognized.
Oligodon kheriensis, also known as the coral kukri snake or red coral kukri snake, is a Kukri snake that was first described in 1936 from the North Kheri Division in Uttar Pradesh, India.
Oligodon calamarius, commonly known as the reed-like kukri or Templeton's kukri snake, is a species of nonvenomous colubrid endemic to Sri Lanka. It is known as කබර දත්-කැටියා in Sinhala.
Oligodon moricei, commonly known as Morice's kukri snake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to southern Vietnam.
Oligodon deuvei is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to Southeast Asia.
Oligodon pseudotaeniatus, commonly known as the false striped kukri snake, is a species of colubrid snake. It is endemic to Thailand and known from the Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Saraburi Province, and Bangkok. The type series was collected by Malcolm Arthur Smith. The specific name pseudotaeniatus refers to its similarity to Oligodon taeniatus, with whom it was confused prior to its species description in 2008.
Oligodon annamensis, commonly known as the Annam kukri snake, is a species of colubrid snake originally known from two specimens from Vietnam, where it was thought to be endemic. It has also since been found in Cambodia and Thailand.
Oligodon annulifer, also known as the ringed kukri snake, is a colubrid snake endemic to the island of Borneo.
Oligodon lacroixi, commonly known as the Lacroix kukri snake, is a species of snake of the family Colubridae.
Oligodon meyerinkii is a species of snake of the family Colubridae. It is commonly known as the Sulu short-headed snake and Meyerink's kukri snake.
Oligodon mouhoti, also known as the Cambodian kukri snake or Mouhot's kukri snake, is a species of snake of the family Colubridae. It was named for French naturalist Henri Mouhot.
Oligodon churahensis, the Churah Valley kukri snake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. It was discovered when a photo of it was posted in Instagram and noticed by two biologists, leading to them contacting the poster and collecting specimens of the species. It is known only from the state of Himachal Pradesh in India. The common and specific name both refer to the Churah Valley, where it was discovered.