Green Keelback
Rhabdophis plumbicolor
A small, bright green rear-fanged colubrid found in hilly forests of the Indian subcontinent.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-0.9 m (1.6-3 ft)
- Range
- South Asia (Indian subcontinent)
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Overview
The Green Keelback is a small, relatively uncommon colubrid found in forested and hilly regions of the Indian subcontinent. Its uniform bright green coloration makes it distinctive among South Asian keelbacks, most of which show striped or blotched patterns.
As a member of the rear-fanged genus Rhabdophis, it carries mild venom used primarily for subduing small prey, and its bite is not generally considered dangerous to humans.
How to identify it
- Bright grass-green to olive-green dorsal coloration, often with a bluish tinge
- Some individuals show faint black flecking on the anterior body
- Keeled dorsal scales
- Rounded head, round pupils
- Adults typically 0.5-0.9 m in length
- Green coloration distinguishes it from striped or barred keelback relatives
Habitat & range
Found in moist forests, hill forests, and grassy areas near streams across parts of India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, typically at low to moderate elevations.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal and terrestrial to semi-aquatic, feeding on frogs, toads, and small invertebrates. It is generally secretive and not prone to biting. It is oviparous, laying small clutches of eggs during the wet season.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Green Keelback venomous?
It has mild rear-fanged venom, but it is not considered dangerous to humans.
How can you identify a Green Keelback?
By its uniform bright green to olive-green body color and keeled scales.
Where is it found?
In forested hills and grassy streamside habitats of the Indian subcontinent.
What does it eat?
Frogs, toads, and small invertebrates.
Green Keelback guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Green Keelback.
