Family: Colubridae
Subfamily: Natricinae (Water Snakes)

Picture: Roger Mäder

Rhabdophis nigrocinctus (Green Keelback)
Thai: (ngu lai sab kieo kwan dam)

Length: 88 cm

Occurrence:
The snake can be found throughout Thailand up to a height of around 1000 meters. Altogether the snake is present in many areas which start in Thailand through to Myamar, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and China.

Habitat/behaviour:
The Green Keelback is a snake which lives on the ground and is active in the morning and at twilight. It is generally found near water and near damp areas. They mainly feed on frogs and fish. The colour of the animal can vary from specimen to specimen.

Danger:
Nothing is known about poisoning of humans. However the Rhabdophis species should generally treat with care, because it is a rearfanged snake. Therefore please refer to the recommendations on Rhabdophis subminiatus.

Picture: J. Bulian

Rhabdophis subminiatus (Red-necked Keelbeck Snake)
Thai: (ngu lei sab ko daeng)

Length: Up to 130 cm
These snakes are usually a lot smaller. The average length is approx. 70 cm.

Occurrence: Throughout Thailand

Behaviour/habitat:
Rhabdophis subminiatus is an adaptable snake which is at home in the woods as well as in residential areas and gardens. It prefers life near to water. The snake is active during the day. Their food is made up of frogs and fish. If threatened, they spread out their red neck area and erect themselves.

Danger: Bites can lead to severe poisoning in humans.

Picture: J. Bulian

Xenochrophis flavipunctatus (Common Keelback Snake)
Thai: (ngu lei so chine, ngu daeng hae)

Size: 60-120 cm

Occurrence:
In the whole of Thailand. A very common snake found in rice fields, canals and garden ponds and thus also in direct residential surroundings.

Behaviour: Active during the day, bites very quickly and copies the behaviour of a Cobra.

Danger: Non-poisonous but biting.

Picture: Wolfgang Grossmann

Xenochrophis piscator (Checkered Keelback)
Thai: (ngu lai so yai, ngu daeng hae)

Length: Up to 120 cm

Occurrence:
Throughout Thailand in heights up to 1600 meters; more commonly found in flat land up to a height of 300 meters.

Habitat and behaviour:
Xenochrophis piscator can mainly be found near waters. The snake is usually active during the day and often covers large distances on the hunt for food. Many can be found on the streets after a heavy rainfall. If agitated the snakes flatten out their neck region and erect their upper bodies. Due to this defensive reaction they are often mistaken for a cobra. When fleeing the snake moves along smooth surfaces (e.g. streets) in sideways movements and jumps forwards.

Danger:
The snake is not dangerous to humans. If they are threatened or even simply taken in the hand, they do bite very quickly. Whitaker & Captain claimed that they swam in ponds inhabited by fish snakes and were never bitten.