Sphenomorphus maculatus (Blyth, 1853)

Head and Tail Morphology

This species has a tapered, flat head, and a tapered tail that is twice as long as its snout–vent length.

Scale Characteristics

Scales cover the trunk and eyelid, and scales on the back toward the tail are larger.

Dorsal Coloration

The upper sides of the head, body, and tail are brown, with smooth scales and faint darker markings.

Ventral Coloration

The throat and belly are pale and have no markings.

Flank Pattern

Below a dark stripe on the flanks lies a mottled zone made up of yellowish and brown spots.

Size Measurements

This species reaches a maximum total length of 19 cm, with a common total length of 17 cm and a common snout–vent length of 6 cm.

Venom and Human Interaction

It is non-venomous and harmless to humans.

Geographic Distribution

It is distributed across Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China (southern Yunnan, southeastern Xizang, also called Tibet), India (Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Darjeeling), Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, the Sunda region (Brunei, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste), northern Thailand, and Vietnam.

Habitat and Activity Pattern

It is a terrestrial, nocturnal species that lives near streams and small rivers in lowland and hilly areas.

Foraging Behavior

It forages among rocks and vegetation directly at the water’s edge.

Reproductive Mode

It is oviparous.

Courtship and Mating Period

Its courtship and mating follow strictly ritualized behavior, beginning between April and June.

Hatchling Emergence Period

Hatchlings emerge between late August and September.