Boiga trigonata (Indian Gamma Snake)

Boiga trigonata

Distinguishing Features

i. They are non-poisonous. snakes.
ii. The body and tail is slender with even tapering.
iii.The head is triangular in shape and the neck is thin.
iv. The top of the head is chestnut in colour. A light Y shaped mark is present on the head.
v. The number of scales on the upper labial varies from 8 - 9. The 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th scales touch the eye.
vi.The number of scales on the lower labial varies from 9 - 11.
vii.The dorsal colour is light brown and lateral part of the dorsal surface is white.
viii.The ventral surface is dull white with dark coloured speckles.
ix.The dorsal scales are smooth, elongated and oblique.
x.They possess irregular, transverse white bars with black margins on the dorsal surface of the body.
xi.A dark bar is present between the eye and mouth.
xii.The eyes are large with vertically elliptical pupil.

Size

Its length varies from 660 - 985 mm

Habit and Habitat

They are found in dense forests, sparse desert scrub and gardens. Gamma snakes are good climbers. They are nocturnal in habit but are usually seen during daytime in winters, enjoying the sunshine. When they are disturbed they change their bodies in in S shape and try to attack and bite. At the time of danger they first keep their mouth close but later on open it instantly and bite. They vibrate the tip of their tail.

Food

They feed on lizards, toads and small birds.

Distribution

Gamma snakes are found in Bangladesh, India, Srilanka and Pakistan. In Pakistan these snakes are distributed widely and are found in all four Provinces except the higher Himalayan region.

Breeding

Economic Importance

Being small in size their skin has no economical value but they are potential food for birds and monitor lizards.

Status

Common