English Name: Asiatic Water Snakes, Checkered Keelback
Local/Bangla Name: Dhora Shap (ঢোড়া সাপ)
Photo: David Raju (iNaturalist)
Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Colubridae
Description:
The body of the snake is moderately stout and round, with a long tail. Its head is oval to slightly triangular and broader than the neck. The eyes are large.On the dorsal surface, it displays a glossy olive-green or olive-brown to reddish coloration with black spots arranged in alternating rows, giving it a checkered appearance. The ventral surface is typically pure white.
Habitat & Distribution in Bangladesh:
The snake inhabits all types of freshwater bodies,brackishwater bodies including ponds, lakes, rivers, flooded lands, streams, submerged rice fields, and marshy areas.It is widely distributed in Bangladesh.
Environment:
Freshwater, brackish.
Main References:
Kabir SMH, Ahmad M, Ahmed ATA, Rahman AKA, Ahmed ZU, Begum, ZNT, Hassan MΑ, and Khondker M (2009) Encyclopedia of Flora and Fauna of Bangladesh, Vol. 25. Amphibians and Reptiles. Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, Dhaka 204 pp
Other References:
Rahman ANMA (2015) Wildlife of Bangladesh, Department of Films & Publications, Ministry of Information, Dhaka, Bangladesh