Keeled slug-eating Snake

Keeled slug-eating Snake Facts

• This intriguing creature most frequently goes by the unusual, as well as somewhat lengthy, common name of the Keeled slug-eating Snake. The reptile does have a few other general titles, though. These include the very similar terms Carinate slug snake and Slender slug-eating snake.
• Within scientific circles, however, it’s perhaps better known by its technical moniker. Ironically, in this case, that’s actually shorter than the common one. It’s still difficult for the layperson to pronounce, though. That’s because the snake holds the official designation of Pareas carinatus.
• This marvel of Nature received that specific epithet due to the efforts of Heinrich Boie. The respected German zoologist accomplished the first formal recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. The noted researcher achieved that scientifically noteworthy deed in 1828.
• This marvelous product of evolution remains of particular interest to science for several reasons. Experts recognize two subspecies of the impressive animal, for one. It’s also notable due to possessing assymetrical evolution in its jaw, along with having a highly specialized diet.
• Thankfully, the fascinating Keeled slug-eating Snake appears to be maintaining a population base that’s both stable and sufficient. That pleasant state also seems to hold true throughout its entire range. The IUCN therefore presently lists the reptile as Least Concern on its Red List.
• It nevertheless still faces numerous potential threats to its continued existence as a species. In this, it faces the same dangers as all species present on earth today. The majority of these perils stem from the actions of man, and include such dangers and habitat loss and climate change.

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Keeled slug-eating Snake Physical Description

The remarkable Keeled slug-eating Snake represents one of those marvels of Nature that fascinate those encounter it for reasons other than sheer size. That’s due to the fact that, in that particualr regard, this distinctive serpent actually qualifies as only a small to medium-sized variety of snake.

In regards to its description, the animal follows a pattern common to many creatures, including its many relatives around the world. That’s evidenced by the fact that the reptile displays a certain degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. This manifests in dimensions.

Females of the species usually tend to be slightly larger and bulkier than their male counterparts. That’s common in many snake species, where females need to accommodate either eggs or developing young. This same gender also tends to develop shorter and slightly more tapering tails.

Males, meanwhile, generally develop as slimmer, and have longer tails relative to their body length. That’s associated with housing the snake’s reproductive organs. These typically have much longer and thicker tails compared to females. That appendage is also usually more robust near the base.

Otherwise, except for minor differences in the appearances in the scales in certain locations, the two genders present the same appearance. Mature adults typically attain body lengths ranging from between 19.7 – 31 in (50 – 80cm). Females tend to be on the higher end of this measurement range.

The eye-catching snake evolved a comparatively slender and elongated body. Its dorsal scales also developed the ridged structure that gives it part of its name. This gives it an extremely rough texture. These ridged scales, also known as keeled, help distinguish this species from others.

In coloring, both sexes display the same basic pattern. This consists of the body presenting as generally brown to grayish-brown, with darker stripes or blotches along the back. The ventral side, though, predominantly shows much lighter, usually appearing as either a pale gray or whitish.

The head of the Keeled slug-eating Snake, though, developed as distinct from the body. Its has large eyes featuring round pupils. The top of the head also often manifests a dark pattern, sometimes resembling a mask. It further has a blunt or slightly rounded snout, well-suited for its unusual diet.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Squamata
• Family: Pareidae
• Genus: Pareas
• Species: P. carinatus

Keeled slug-eating Snake Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The most unusual Keeled slug-eating Snake evolved as indigenous to a moderately broad swathe of the surface of the earth. That zone of habitation also happens to already be well known for its abundance of natural wonders. That native range therefore likely won’t surprise any of our readers.

Evolution created this masterpiece as native to a range distributed across various parts of Southeast Asia. Within that region, it’s obviously more common in certain areas than others. These include such countries as India, Banglandesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, among others.

This remarkable serpent displays an intriguing combination of both rigidity and flexibility regarding its choice of habitat types. Principally, the uniquely evolved animal manifests strong preferences for very humid environments possessing ample cover, such as dense vegetation and debris.

Such locations most commonly consists of moist, forested areas. That holds especially true of tropical rainforests and montane forests. It additionally thrives best among copious quantities of leaf litter, on forest floors, and in the underbrush, often near water bodies like streams and rivers.

Yet, this surprising snake also displays a moderate degree of versatility pertaining to its choice of where to take up residence. That’s true since it inhabits both lowland and montane regions. It’s commonly found from sea level up to heights equaling as much as approximately 4,900 ft (1,500 m).

This fabulous work of Nature boasts a specialized ecology that revolves around its unique feeding habits, habitat preferences, and adaptation to its environment. Like its numerous relatives around the world, it evolved as carnivorous in nature, of course. From there, though, it starts to differ.

As its name implies, the diet of the Keeled slug-eating snake consists primarily of slugs and snails. It also typically hunts nocturnally, foraging for its specific prey under the cover of darkness. This most often occurs in the comparatively damp environments where these mollusks remain abundant.

Being a small, non-venomous snake, it’s preyed upon in turn by larger snakes, birds of prey, and small carnivorous mammals. Its unique scales serve to provide it with a measure of protection from these, however. Its nocturnal habits also reduce the likelihood of encounters with predators.

The species lays eggs after mating, with a clutch generally containing 2 – 5 eggs. Little’s currently known about its specific breeding habits. But, like many forest-dwelling snakes, it likely deposits its eggs in humid, secluded areas to maintain proper moisture levels for the developing embryos.

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