Calliophis nigrescens (Günther, 1862)

Scientific Name

This species is scientifically named Calliophis nigrescens (Günther, 1862).

Scale Term Reference

For definitions of scale-related terms used in this description, see snake scales.

Rostral Scale

The rostral scale is broader than it is long.

Frontal and Parietal Scales

The frontal scale is as long as its distance from the tip of the snout, and much shorter than the parietal scales.

Head Scale Counts

There is one preocular scale and two postocular scales, one temporal scale, and seven upper labial scales; the third and fourth upper labials extend into the eye socket.

Chin Shields

The anterior chin shields are as long as the posterior chin shields, or slightly shorter, and contact four labial scales.

Dorsal Scale Arrangement

Dorsal scales are arranged in 13 rows.

Ventral, Anal, and Subcaudal Scales

There are 232 to 261 ventrals; the anal scale is usually divided, and there are 33 to 44 subcaudals.

Color Variety Overview

This species includes multiple color varieties connected by unnoticeable gradations.

Universal Color Features

Across all varieties, the head and nape are black, with an oblique yellow band (sometimes broken into spots) on each side running from the parietals to behind the corner of the mouth.

Lip and Underpart Coloration

The upper lip is yellow in areas both in front of and behind the eye, and the underparts are solid uniform red.

Documented Color Variants Intro

Documented color variations are as follows:

Color Variant A

Variant A: Dark purplish brown on the upper body, with three or five longitudinal rows of black spots with light edges.

Color Variant B

Variant B: The spots are confluent, forming three longitudinal black bands bordered with whitish.

Color Variant C

Variant C: Intermediate between variant A and variant B.

Color Variant D

Variant D: Dark purplish brown on the upper body, with three or five more or less distinct black stripes that do not have light edges.

Color Variant E

Variant E: Pale reddish brown or red on the upper body, with five black stripes.

Size

Maximum recorded total length is 110 cm (43 in), with a tail length of 11.5 cm (4+1⁄2 in).

Distribution and Elevation

Geographically, this species is found in India, specifically in the Western Ghats, within Karwar, Wayanad, Nilgiris, Anamalai, and the Travancore hills, at elevations between 4,000–6,000 feet (1,200–1,800 m).