This small species has a powerful neurotoxic venom and should be approached with care. It inhabits forests areas, and sometimes overgrown areas of parks and gardens. It is ground dwelling, and feeds mainly on other snakes, particularly the tiny brahminy blind snake.
It can be identified by the reddish-orange vertebral stripe, and the red tail. On either side there is a pale lateral stripe. When threatened, the snake turns over to reveal the underside, which is dramatically patterned in black and white.
As of 2019, 4 subspecies are recognized.
The species is found in southern Thailand, the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, Java, Sumatra, Borneo and the Philippines. |
