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| Coluber ventromaculatus (Glossy Bellied Racer ) |
Coluber ventromaculatus
| Scientific Name: |
Coluber ventromaculatus |
| English Name: |
Glossy - Bellied Racer |
| Local Name : |
Segi |
Distinguishing Features
i. They are non-poisonous snakes.
ii. The body is cylindrical and taper.
iii. The head is long and narrow with a wide distinct neck.
iv. Generally 19 rows of scales are present in the middle part of the body, but the number of scales may vary from specie to specie.
v. The dorsal colour is grayish white to pale sandy. Some species are reddish brown in colour.
vi. White, glossy scales are present on the ventral side of the body. In adults, these scales vary in number from 190 - 215. Dorsal scales possess graygrey crossbars with black edges and alternating small spots.
vii. The number of scales on the upper labial varies from 8 - 9. The 5 th and 6 th scales touch the eye.
viii. The number of scales on the lower labial varies from 9 - 11. Size
Its length varies from 735 - 1255 mm.
Habit and Habitat
These snakes inhabit clay or sandy desert with scrubby xerophytic vegetation. Their small size enables them to coil around small trees and bushes. Dead xerophytic plants, particularly, Euphorbia and Tamarix act as their preferred resting and hiding places. They are known as non-agsgressive, diurnal specie.
Distribution
This specie is found in India, Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Israel. In Pakistan, they are distributed all over the country.
Food
They feed on mice, shrews, bats, lizards and insects.
Breeding
| Mating Season: |
March - April |
| Egg Laying Season: |
May - June |
| Number of Eggs Laid: |
3 - 10 |
| Hatching Period: |
July - August |
Economic Importance
They keep the population of mice and shrews in check.
Status
Common | 
