Large Shieldtail Snake
Uropeltis macrolepis
One of the larger species within the shieldtail snake family, endemic to the moist forests of India's Western Ghats.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.3-0.5 m (1-1.6 ft)
- Range
- Western Ghats, India
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Overview
The Large Shieldtail Snake is a moderately sized member of the shieldtail family, a lineage of burrowing snakes restricted to the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka. As its name suggests, it is among the larger species within this family of typically small, secretive snakes.
Completely harmless to humans, this species spends nearly all its life underground, making it infrequently encountered despite its relatively wide distribution within its native range.
How to identify it
- Cylindrical, moderately robust body with large, smooth scales
- Brownish to dark gray dorsal coloration, sometimes with faint striping
- Hardened, shield-like tail tip typical of the family
- Small eyes and a blunt, cone-shaped head adapted for burrowing
- Adults typically 30-50 cm in length
Habitat & range
Found across the Western Ghats of India, inhabiting moist forest floors, plantations, and agricultural land with loose, humus-rich soil at low to moderate elevations.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and fossorial, feeding on earthworms and other soft-bodied invertebrates encountered underground. Its shield-shaped tail is used to block its burrow and resist predation attempts. It is live-bearing, giving birth to small litters of young.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Large Shieldtail Snake venomous?
No, it is non-venomous and harmless to humans.
How big does the Large Shieldtail Snake get?
Adults typically reach 30-50 cm in length, making it one of the larger shieldtail species.
Where is the Large Shieldtail Snake found?
It is native to the Western Ghats of India.
What does the Large Shieldtail Snake eat?
It primarily preys on earthworms and other soil-dwelling invertebrates.
Large Shieldtail Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Large Shieldtail Snake.
