Hydrophis torquatus

Hydrophis torquatus, also known as the west coast black-headed sea snake, is a species of venomous sea snake in the family Elapidae that is native to Southeast Asia. The specific epithet torquatus (“collared”) refers to the body markings.[2]

Hydrophis torquatus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Elapidae
Genus: Hydrophis
Species:
H. torquatus
Binomial name
Hydrophis torquatus
Günther, 1864
Synonyms
  • Chitulia torquata Kharin, 2005

Subspecies
  • Hydrophis torquatus torquatus (Günther, 1864)
  • Hydrophis torquatus diadema (Günther, 1864)
  • Hydrophis torquatus aagaardi (Smith, 1920)

Description

The species grows to about 104 cm in length. The upper body is grey or whitish, with a yellow to whitish belly, and with black bands which fade with age. The head is black with a yellowish band on the snout and along the sides.[2]

Behaviour

The species is viviparous.[2]

Distribution and habitat

The range of the snake encompasses the southern South China Sea, the Gulf of Thailand and the Straits of Malacca, including the adjoining coastal waters of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo, as well as the fresh water Tonlé Sap lake in Cambodia.[2]

References
  1. Rasmussen, A. (2010). "Hydrophis torquatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2010: e.T176723A7290809. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T176723A7290809.en. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
  2. "Hydrophis torquatus GÜNTHER, 1864". Reptile Database. Peter Uetz and Jakob Hallermann. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
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