Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Banded Racer | Argyrogena fasciolatus


Labels: Banded Racer
Binomial name: Argyrogena fasciolatus
Common name: Banded Racer

Scientific classification

Kingdom:

Animalia

Phylum:

Chordata

Class:

Reptilia

Order:

Squamata

Suborder:

Serpentes

Family:

Colubridae

Genus:

Argyrogena

Species:

A. fasciolatus


Type: HARMLESS

Distinguishing Features: Small to medium-sized; slender; smooth scales; young ones are brightly banded while the adults uniform and without pattern.

Average Length: 75 cm; At Birth: 15 cm; Maximum: 1.4 m.

Description: They are light or dark brown in colour. The young ones have white cross bands at regular spaces. They also have vibrant white head markings. Their head is a bit wider than the neck and nose is slightly pointed. They have smooth scales, but not shining and the underside is yellowish or white.

Distribution: This species is found in plains throughout most parts of India.

Habitat: Banded Racers are very alert and fast snakes and have a preference for high grass or bushes. Generally they occupy rodent burrows, rock piles and heavy brush.

Habits: They are active and quick during the day. When captured, they may bite and display a thin ‘hood’ by flattening its ribs in the neck region. But after some time, it calms down.

Young: The female lays about 2 to 6 eggs some-time around October.

Food: The young eat frogs and insects, while adults feed on mice and Metad Rats (Ratus maltada). They kill their prey by constricting or pressing with the body.

Status: The population of Banded Racers is getting reduced because of severe over-grazing and clearing of vegetation.


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