Assam Trinket Snake
Coelognathus helena monticollaris
A regional subspecies of trinket snake from the hill forests of northeastern India, sharing the bold chain-like pattern of its relatives.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.8-1.3 m (2.6-4.3 ft)
- Range
- Northeast India and adjacent hill regions
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Overview
The Assam Trinket Snake is a regional form associated with the hill forests of northeastern India, closely related to the widespread Common Trinket Snake. It shares the family's characteristic bold body markings and defensive bluffing behavior.
Like other trinket snakes, it is harmless but often mistaken for dangerous species due to its dramatic threat display.
How to identify it
- Chain-like or bar-shaped dark blotches along an olive to brown body, similar to related trinket snakes
- Dark diagonal streaks near the eyes
- Smooth, glossy scales
- Slender to moderately built body
- Round pupils
- Distinguished from lowland trinket snakes mainly by regional distribution and subtle pattern variation
Habitat & range
Found in hill forests, forest edges, and cultivated land of the northeastern Indian hill states, typically at moderate elevations.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Active by day and dusk, capable of climbing and burrowing. Displays vigorous hissing and striking bluffs when threatened despite being harmless. Feeds on rodents and small vertebrates. Egg-laying.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Assam Trinket Snake venomous?
No, it is non-venomous, though it can display an aggressive-looking defensive bluff.
Where is it found?
In hill forests and cultivated areas of northeastern India.
How is it related to the Common Trinket Snake?
It is considered a regional form or subspecies of the Common Trinket Snake, Coelognathus helena.
What does it eat?
Mainly rodents and small vertebrates.
Assam Trinket Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Assam Trinket Snake.
