Checkered Keelback (Asiatic Water Snake)
March 19, 2007
The Checkered Keelback or Asiatic Water Snake, Xenochrophis piscator, is a common species of non-venomous snake found in Asia. The species is found in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, West Malaysia, Indonesia, and Taiwan. It is found in China in the provinces of Chekiang, Jiangxi, Fujian, Guangdong, Nan Ao Island, Hainan, Guangxi, and Yunnan.
Colorations of the Checkered Keelback vary, some consisting of dark spots arranged in a quincunx-like pattern often separated by a whitish network. It spends most of its time in or near fresh water lakes or rivers. Feeds mainly on small fishes and water frogs.
Photo by Saleem Hameed