Snakes

Spectacled Cobra (Venomous)

(Picture taken at SGNP, Yeoor, Thane, Maharashtra in March 2011)

This can be easily identified by having hood and adjoined rounded mark on posterior of hood. Color of Spectacled Cobra greatly depends on geographical areas. In and around human habitation and agricultural lands it can seen commonly as a rodent predator. Always raise hood on disturbance or to alarm its enemy. Typical spact-shaped mark is usually present which is characteristic of this species. 

 

Bamboo Pit Viper (Venomous)

(Picture taken at Matheran, Maharashtra in October 2013)

Easily identified by its triangular flat head and moss-green or yellow green color. It has light to dark markings all over its back. The lip scales are yellow while underside can be yellowish or pearly white. Heat sensing pits are present between the eye and nostril.

 

Saw-scaled Viper (Venomous)

(Picture taken at SGNP, Yeoor, Thane, Maharashtra in March 2011)

Light brown body with white spots on back. Two wavy white lines run along the length. White underside with tiny brown spots. Large golden eyes with vertical spear mark is present on head. Scales have saw-like keels on them. Tail is short.

 

Russell's Viper (Venomous)

(Picture taken at SGNP, Yeoor, Thane, Maharashtra in March 2011)

Flat triangular head, stout body and thin short tail. Body brown with three rows of dark brown diamond or oval shaped marks with a white border along the length. Under scales are white. Pupils are vertical.

 

Common Vine Snake (Semi-Venomous)

(Picture taken at Matheran, Maharashtra in October 2013)

Green long thin body resembling a vine. Unique elongated pointed head. Capable of binocular vision. Large golden yellow eyes with horizontal pupil. Body color varies from bright green to dark green with a bluish tinge. Underside is light green with two white lines.

 

Ceylon Cat Snake (Semi-Venomous)

(Picture taken at Matheran, Maharashtra in October 2013)

Grey brown body having dark brown spots or lines. Big eyes with vertical pupils. A slanted dark brown line behind eyes. Body and tail are long and fattened.

 

Indian Rat Snake (Non-Venomous)

(Picture taken at SGNP, Yeoor, Thane, Maharashtra in March 2011)

The body color can be yellowish brown, moss green, creamy or black. The tail is very long & tapering. Underside is yellowish. Vertical black lines are present on the lip scales. Big round eyes with yellow borders around pupils.

Bronzeback Tree Snake (Non-Venomous)

(Picture taken at SGNP, Yeoor, Thane, Maharashtra in March 2011)

The top of its body is brown or bronze colored while remaining body is yellowish, bluish green or light green. Light yellow upper lip. Slender body with fattened head. Round pupils.

 

Common Wolf Snake (Non-Venomous)

(Picture taken at Fansad WLS, Maharashtra in December 2010)

Reddish brown or black with glossy smooth scales. Broad white or yellow band on its neck and similar color bands on the rest of its body which are lighter towards tail. Flat broad head that is distinct from the neck.