Nilgiri Shieldtail Snake
Uropeltis nilgherriensis
A montane burrowing snake endemic to the Nilgiri Hills of southern India, adapted to cool, high-elevation forest soils.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.2-0.35 m (0.7-1.15 ft)
- Range
- Nilgiri Hills, Western Ghats, India
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Overview
The Nilgiri Shieldtail Snake is a small burrowing species endemic to the high-elevation Nilgiri Hills within the Western Ghats of southern India. It belongs to a diverse family of shieldtail snakes largely restricted to montane and forested regions of the Indian subcontinent.
Harmless to humans, this species is adapted to the cooler climate of higher elevations and, like its relatives, is rarely encountered above ground.
How to identify it
- Small, cylindrical body with smooth scales
- Dark brown to purplish-black dorsal coloration, sometimes with faint mottling
- Hardened, shield-like keratinized tail tip
- Small eyes and a blunt, rounded head suited for burrowing
- Adults typically 20-35 cm in length
Habitat & range
Endemic to the Nilgiri Hills within the Western Ghats, found in moist montane forest soil and grassland-forest ecotones at relatively high elevations compared to many lowland shieldtail species.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and fossorial, primarily preying on earthworms and other soft-bodied invertebrates found in soil. It relies on its hardened tail shield to resist predators attempting to extract it from its burrow. It is live-bearing, producing small litters of young.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nilgiri Shieldtail Snake venomous?
No, it is non-venomous and harmless to humans.
Where is the Nilgiri Shieldtail Snake found?
It is endemic to the Nilgiri Hills within the Western Ghats of southern India.
How big does the Nilgiri Shieldtail Snake get?
Adults typically reach 20-35 cm in length.
What elevation does the Nilgiri Shieldtail Snake live at?
It inhabits relatively high-elevation montane forest soils compared to many other shieldtail species.
Nilgiri Shieldtail Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Nilgiri Shieldtail Snake.
