Duméril’s Black-headed Snake

The Duméril’s Black-headed Snake, also known as Jerdon’s Many-toothed Snake, is a nonvenomous colubrid species found in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh. This small and slender snake is usually seen both day and night, living among leaf litter in forests and plantations. It mainly feeds on geckos, skinks, and small snakes. The species grows up to around 46 cm (18 inches) in length. It has a distinct black or dark brown head and nape, while the body is light brown with small black spots along the back and a yellow underside marked with dark dots. Two yellow cross-bands appear around the neck, giving it a unique appearance among small forest snakes.

In Sri Lanka, Sibynophis subpunctatus is mainly found along the western coast from Puttalam to Kalutara. It prefers moist lowland habitats where it can easily hide under logs and leaf litter. The species is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs. Although not venomous or dangerous to humans, this snake plays an important role in the ecosystem by controlling small reptile populations. The name subpunctatus comes from Latin, meaning “spotted underneath,” referring to the small dark dots on its belly.