Kapuas mud snake


The Kapuas mud snake '' is a species of snake in the family Homalopsidae. The species, which is native to Borneo, can change its epidermal colour spontaneously.

Etymology

The common name, Kapuas mud snake, refers to the Kapuas River. The specific name, gyii, is in honor of Burmese herpetologist Dr Ko Ko Gyi.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of H. gyii is freshwater wetlands.

Colour change

The Kapuas mud snake's chameleon-like behaviour was discovered accidentally in 2005 when a specimen was put in a dark bucket. The snake's skin turned pale white 20 minutes later. Scientists determined the snake to be a new species belonging to the genus Enhydris.

Description

H. gyii may attain a total length of.

Venom

Like all members of the subfamily Homalopsinae, H. gyii is rear-fanged and mildly venomous.

Reproduction

H. gyii is viviparous.