Pareas formosensis (Van Denburgh, 1909)

Common Name and Size

Pareas formosensis, commonly called the Formosa slug snake, is a small snake that reaches a maximum total length of 70 cm (28 in). It is widespread in mountainous, moist forests.

Activity and Diet

This species is nocturnal, and its diet consists of land snails and slugs.

Reproduction

Females of this species lay clutches of 2 to 9 eggs, and hatchlings have a total length of around 15 cm (5.9 in).

Distinguishing Features

P. formosensis can be easily told apart from the related species P. komaii and P. atayal by its red iris and fully smooth dorsal scales.

Distribution

This snake is found across all mountain regions of Taiwan, with the only exception being the island's northeastern tip.