Laticauda laticaudata (Linnaeus, 1758)

Chandramouli, S. R., 2022, Snake fauna of the Andaman Islands, Bay of Bengal-A review of species richness taxonomy, distribution, natural history and conservation status, Zootaxa 5209 (3), pp. 301-331 : 313

Laticauda laticaudata (Linnaeus, 1758)

( Fig. 12D )

Material studied: An adult, ANFD uncatalogued from Mayabunder, Middle Andaman ( Fig. 5B ).

Morphology: Dorsal scales smooth, in 19:19:17 rows, ventrals 236; subcaudals 42 pairs; anal divided, preocular 1; postoculars 2; prefrontals 2. Body with alternate black and blue bands; tail paddle shaped, upper lip black.

Distribution: Two individuals were observed in beaches at North Wandoor and Chidiyatapu, South Andaman. Congregates on the sea shore at night along with L. colubrina .

Status: Rare.

Figures

FIGURE 5. Specimens studied: (A) Ophiophagus hannah (CIARI uncat.), (B) Laticauda laticaudata (ANFD uncat.), (C) Laticauda colubrina(CSPT/S-36), (D) Trimeresurusandersoni (CSPT/S-70), (E) drawingof theholotype ofHebius nicobariensis by Sclater (1891)

FIGURE 12. Locality records of (A): Boiga andamanensis and B. cyannea (B) Ptyas mucosa, Gonyosoma oxycephalum and Coelognathus flavolineatus (C) Naja sagittifera, Ophiophagus hannah, Bungarus andamanensis; (D) Laticauda laticaudata, Laticauda colubrina and Trimeresurus andersoni