Identification Characteristics:
This snake species is small, reaching approximately 130 cm in length. The head is elongated and distinctly separated from the neck. The nostrils are round and located centrally on the nasal plates, with the dividing line between the two nasal plates nearly equal to the suture between the two prefrontal plates. The frontal plate is longer than wide, smaller than the parietal plates, and shorter than the distance to the snout tip. The loreal plate is slightly longer than high, positioned above the second supralabial scale, and in contact with the prefrontal plate above. There are eight supralabial scales on each side, with the third, fourth, and fifth touching the eye. The infralabial scales number 8-10 on each side. The chin shields are triangular, wider than long. The dorsal scales are arranged in 19 rows, with a raised keel except for the outermost row, which is smooth. Ventral scales range from 160 to 167, and subcaudal scales range from 84 to 86, with the anal plate divided.
The body color is dark green or dark gray. The head is darker in coloration. The anterior portion of the body typically exhibits irregular black markings on the back and sides, with white edges. A black ring may or may not be present on the nape. The neck region has a pale yellow color, and in juveniles, reddish-brown coloration is very distinct and fades with maturity. The chin and throat are pale white.
Biology and Ecology:
This diurnal snake species favors low-lying, water-rich environments in forests and mountainous areas up to 1,780 meters in elevation. Its primary diet consists of frogs and toads. It lays clutches of 5-17 eggs, which incubate for 8-10 weeks. Hatchlings measure 13-19 cm in length. This species has been found to possess venom, and bites can cause serious symptoms. From 1997 to the present, Chợ Rẫy Hospital has documented 24 cases of attacks by Rhabdophis subminiatus. This species causes severe effects, with victims experiencing blood clotting disorders similar to those from green pit viper bites. There have been two fatalities caused by this snake in 2009 and 2011. Currently, there is no antivenom available worldwide for this species.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: Found in almost all provinces of Vietnam, from Cao Bằng to Kiên Giang.
- Global: Myanmar, China, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia.
Conservation Status:
The species is still relatively common, but requires conservation efforts, further research into its ecology and behavior, and the development of antivenom for treatment of snakebites.