Snake Id

[limbos]

Found this baby on the sand road leading to Choengmon beach of one of the resorts, can anybody ID this snake and let me know if it's poisonous or not. Thanks.

It was at least a meter long when fully stretched.

[yotspeed]

Good site here for ID'ing Thai Snakes

Looks like quite possibly a Chequered Keelback.

[limbos]

Thanks yotspeed, it seems to be a very likely candidate, especially since it also had a flattened neck region.

[steffi]

I'd say Copperhead Racer

Thanks yotspeed, it seems to be a very likely candidate, especially since it also had a flattened neck region.

[limbos]

Hi Steffi, since yesterday the Malayan racer came up as well. Thanks for your input.

What makes you pick the copperheaded over the Malayan racer?

[Major Major]

I'm not an expert, but looks like a cross between a grey and brown snake. Hope this helps.

[steffi]

Well it's definitely a racer as they are the ones that flatten their necks. Snake shows always have these racers as they are non threatening but exciting for crowds to watch.

I would say it's a Malayan racer

Hi Steffi, since yesterday the Malayan racer came up as well. Thanks for your input.

What makes you pick the copperheaded over the Malayan racer?

[limbos]

Apparently the Checkered Keelback flattens his head as well but not in the same way.

Thx for the update and explanations. Looks like it's a racer after all.

[robsamui]

Apparently the Checkered Keelback flattens his head as well but not in the same way.

Thx for the update and explanations. Looks like it's a racer after all.

It's a knackered checkback, that's for sure.

(I'll check back again a bit later when I'm not so tired.)

R

[Mrjlh]

It is a Checkered Keelback (Xenochrophis piscator) Pretty clear to me.

I saw a couple in Phuket last year up by Phang Na. only wish I had my camera at the time. Malayan Racers have distinctive black spots along the side with a white stripe through them. Plus an Orange strip along the top of its back. I doubt if you'll find them in Thailand. Possible but not probable due to habitats especially on an island.

[southbot]

Thanks yotspeed for that link to the website about Thai snakes.

When in my home in Lipa Noi we often get snakes here and there 'round the place, good to have a link to a site now where I can get a basic photo and some info on species and more importantly, how poisonous or not they are.

Surprising how many people just go "aaargh, snake" and just kill them when most snakes are either not poisonous or not very poisonous and more often than not non-agressive.

Such is life - for a snake.

Thanks for intial poster's question and the ensuing link to snake site.

Cheers!

[limbos]

@Southbot, you're welcome, here's another good snake ID link

@Mrjlh Thanks for the clarification. Now I'm really confused which one it was, the Malayan racers are apparently relatively common and come in a variety of shades, check this

[careless]

Outside our bungalow, anyone know what this one is ?

[limbos]

Looks like a golden tree snake very common and they love eating geckos so you may see one by your dwelling. In particular they love a big Tokay Gecko for dinner. Mildly dangerous venom – don’t let it bite down for a long time and you’ll likely be fine. These snakes do traverse across the ground but quickly find a tree when threatened.

Chrysopelea ornata ornatissima (Golden Tree Snake)

Thai: (ngu kieo lai dok mak)

Length: Up to 140 cm

Occurrence: The Golden Tree Snake is to be found throughout Thailand.

Behaviour/habitat:

Chrysopelea Ornata Ornattissima is a flexible snake. It can be found in forests, on plantations, in gardens and in houses. This snake is regularly found in the inner city areas of Bangkok and Pattaya. As they enjoy eating rodents, geckos and other lizards, they are often found on and in houses. These snakes are active during the day, can climb walls and are very fast.

Danger:

If they fee threatened and cannot flee, they bite straight away. The species Chrysopelea belongs to the viper family. However, the poison is so mild that it does not have much of an effect on humans.

[yotspeed]

Outside the office this afternoon - looks like a Malayan Pit Viper. About 40cm so juvenile, very still and coiled into the typical spring posture when approached with the floor sweeper. Highly venemous. Probably on its way to find some frogs!

[steffi]

Yep Malayan Pit Viper.

Outside the office this afternoon - looks like a Malayan Pit Viper. About 40cm so juvenile, very still and coiled into the typical spring posture when approached with the floor sweeper. Highly venemous. Probably on its way to find some frogs!

[carmine]

Yep Malayan Pit Viper.

Outside the office this afternoon - looks like a Malayan Pit Viper. About 40cm so juvenile, very still and coiled into the typical spring posture when approached with the floor sweeper. Highly venemous. Probably on its way to find some frogs!

Good job really its so easy to distinguish!