Western kukri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Western kukri |
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| Head | |
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| Underside | |
| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Oligodon |
| Species: |
O. affinis
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| Binomial name | |
| Oligodon affinis Günther, 1862
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The western kukri (Oligodon affinis) is a special kind of snake. It lives mostly on the forest floor. You can find it in the Western Ghats mountains of India. These mountains are in the southwestern part of India. The snake usually lives south of a place called the Goa Gap.
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Meet the Western Kukri Snake
This snake is known for its interesting looks. It is brown on its back. It also has a dark brownish mark on its head. This mark can look a bit like a bird's shape. The snake's belly is yellow and black.
How Big Is It?
A grown-up western kukri snake is usually about 13 inches long. That's about the length of a school ruler! Its tail is much shorter, around two inches long.
What Does It Look Like Up Close?
The western kukri snake has smooth scales. Its body is brown on top. It has dark lines going across its back. The dark mark on its head is symmetrical, meaning it looks the same on both sides.
The snake's underside is very colorful. It has a pattern of yellow and black squares. These two colors are spread out almost equally.
Snake Scales: A Closer Look
Snakes are often identified by their scales. The western kukri has specific scale patterns. For example, it has seven scales along its upper lip. These are called supralabial scales. It also has 17 rows of scales on its back. These are called dorsal scales.
The number of scales on its belly can be different. Males have between 128 and 133 belly scales. Females have between 130 and 145. These are called ventral scales. The scale near its vent (where waste leaves the body) is divided. It's called the anal scale. The scales under its tail are also paired. Males have 31 to 36 pairs, while females have 23 to 30 pairs. These are called subcaudal scales.
The head of the snake also has special scales. The scale on its nose is divided. This helps scientists tell different snakes apart.
 | Claudette Colvin |
 | Myrlie Evers-Williams |
 | Alberta Odell Jones |
