Amphiesma stolatum (striped keelback): Habitat and reproduction

Pryce, David; Thorpe, C John; Kulkarni, Siddharth; Lewis, Todd R

Abstract

Amphiesma stolatum (Natricinae) is a non-venomous Asiatic colubrid. During monsoon season in 2004 we discovered two clutches of snake eggs whilst conducting amphibian surveys near Dhamapur, Kolhapur District, Maharastra, India. Both clutches and snakes were discovered in the middle of an open rocky plateau habitat with nothing but occasional sparse rocks for cover. Our observation suggests that this unusual choice of deposition may be influenced by seasonality (wet season rains), prey availability (amphibians/tadpole in temporary pools), and/or suitable foraging habitat. We also speculate that in this instance the snakes concerned may have chosen to lay eggs in an area with immediate prey availability in preference over traditional substrate as a way of potentially improving offspring survival.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 30, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Jun 30, 2016
• Publication Date: Jun 30, 2016
• Deposit Date: Aug 5, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 19, 2021
• Journal: Herpetological Bulletin
• Print ISSN: 1473-0928
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 136
• Pages: 37-38
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/7604440
• Publisher URL: https://www.thebhs.org/publications/the-herpetological-bulletin/issue-number-136-summer-2016/888-10-i-amphiesma-stolatum-i-striped-keelback-habitat-and-reproduction