 |
| Spalerosophis Atriceps (Royal Snake) |
1. Spalerosophis atriceps
| Scientific Name: |
Spalerosophis atriceps |
| English Name: |
Royal Snake |
| Local Name: |
Korar |
Distinguishing Features
i. They are non-poisonous snakes.
ii. The body is slender with even tapering.
iii.The head is long and black in colour.
iv. The snout is truncate and the temporal region is wider than the neck.
v. The dorsal surface is covered with keeled scales.
vi.The lateral tips of the ventral surface are dark gray in colour.
vii.The belly is peach to pink in colour.
viii.The chin and throat are white in colour.
ix.Dark bars are present on the upper labial and the number of scales varies from 10 - 13.
x.The number of scales on the lower labial varies from 11 - 14 in number.
xi.The colour of the body is yellow to orange or dusty pink but variation in colour can be seen from specie to specie.
xii.Irregular black flecks and blotches are present on the body.
xiii.The head is black but nap and temple are dark red in colour.
xiv.A dark stripe is present between the eye and mouth
xv.55 sooty blotches are present on the median rows of the scales on dorsal surface. In some species these blotches are fused together.
xvi.Two alternate rows of small dark spots are present on the body.
xvii.The young one is light tan or buff in colour.
Size
Its length varies from 1405 - 1645 mm.
Habit and Habitat
These large snakes inhabit a variety of places. They are found in dense forests, barren deserts and caves of small mammals.
These snakes are nocturnal in habit but in spring season they can be seen during daytime. They are aggressive by nature and do not like to be touched or handled. Their teeth are very sharp and pointed and thus help in defence.
Food
They live on small lizards, mice, rats, frogs and young birds. They kill their preys by constriction process.
Distribution
They are found in West Bengal, India, Srilanka and Pakistan. In Pakistan they are distributed throughout the Province of Sindh but are profoundly found in Khairpur, Larkana, Umerkot, Nagarparkar and Mirpurkhas.
Breeding
| Mating Season: |
March - April, variation may take place |
| Egg Lying Season: |
May - June |
| Number of Eggs Laid: |
3 - 8 eggs at a time |
| Hatching Period: |
June - July, variation may take place according to their mating season |
Economic Importance
Royal Snakes control the population of rats and mice and protect our agriculture land from this menace. Beside this, its skin is used for making different goods.
Status
Less common
Threats
Jogis and hunters hunt and kill these snakes. | 
