Banded kukri snake

The banded kukri snake (Oligodon arnensis), also known as the common or russet kukri snake, is a non-venomous colubrid widely distributed across South Asia, including Sri Lanka. It is a small to medium-sized snake, usually reaching about 60–65 cm in total length, with a short tail. The body is typically pale brown to orange, marked with distinct black crossbands that vary in number and width among individuals, sometimes edged with white. A series of dark markings on the head and nape help distinguish this species, while the underside is generally yellowish and unmarked. Like other kukri snakes, it has smooth scales arranged in 17 mid-body rows, with ventral scales numbering roughly 170–202.

Oligodon arnensis is a nocturnal and ground-dwelling species commonly found in gardens, agricultural land, scrub, and forest edges. Its diet mainly consists of earthworms, insects, larvae, and other soft-bodied invertebrates, making it harmless and even beneficial around human settlements. The species occurs across a wide geographic range, from Afghanistan and Pakistan through India and Nepal to Sri Lanka, and has been recorded up to moderate elevations in the Himalayan region. Owing to its broad distribution and adaptability, it is currently classified as Least Concern, with stable populations across much of its range.