Nilgiri keelback facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nilgiri keelback |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Sahyadriophis |
| Species: |
S. beddomei
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| Binomial name | |
| Sahyadriophis beddomei (Günther, 1864)
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| Synonyms | |
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The Nilgiri keelback (Sahyadriophis beddomei) is a type of snake. It is also known as Beddome's keelback. This snake lives in the Western Ghats mountain range in India.
The snake gets its name from Richard Henry Beddome. He was a British army officer and a naturalist (someone who studies nature). The snake was first found near the Nilgiri Hills. Now, we know it lives in many parts of the Western Ghats. This snake lives on land and mostly eats toads.
About the Nilgiri Keelback
The Nilgiri keelback is a brown snake. It has a series of yellow spots along its back. Each yellow spot is usually between two black spots or short black stripes. Its upper lips are yellowish with black lines.
You might see a yellow stripe with black edges. This stripe goes from its eye to the corner of its mouth. Young snakes often have a clear yellow band on their neck. This band can fade as the snake gets older.
The longest Nilgiri keelback ever measured was about 51 to 66 centimeters (20 to 26 inches) long. Its tail was about 13 to 19 centimeters (5 to 7.5 inches) of that length.
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Beddome's keelback eating a toad.
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Young Nilgiri keelbacks have a white patch on their neck.
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An adult Nilgiri keelback. The white patch on its neck may be less clear.
Where the Nilgiri Keelback Lives
The Nilgiri keelback lives in the tropical rainforests of the Nilgiri hills. It can be found at different heights, from about 60 to 1,000 meters (200 to 3,300 feet) above sea level.
Behavior
Even though the Nilgiri keelback is not a water snake, it likes to be near water. You can often find it hunting near streams or other water bodies. It is active from early morning until evening.
Diet
The Nilgiri keelback mainly eats toads. It is a carnivore, meaning it eats other animals.
Reproduction
The Nilgiri keelback is an oviparous snake. This means that the female snake lays eggs.
 | Calvin Brent |
 | Walter T. Bailey |
 | Martha Cassell Thompson |
 | Alberta Jeannette Cassell |
